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Committee adopts amendment and advances bill to authorize loan assistance for athletic trainers
Summary
Senate Bill 184, amended to remove a section and to authorize loan-assistance through the Commission on Higher Education, received a favorable committee report. Supporters said the program would target K–12 and postsecondary athletic trainers and is discretionary depending on available funds.
Senate Bill 184, as amended, was approved by a Senate committee in Montgomery after senators and supporters described the bill as a way to encourage more athletic trainers into K–12 and postsecondary roles.
Senator Chastain introduced an amendment that strikes a section of the bill; Senator Singleton moved the amendment and Senator Smitherman seconded. The committee adopted the amendment by previous roll (15 ayes, 0 nays) and then adopted the bill (16 ayes, 0 nays).
Senators discussed program eligibility and terms. A committee member explained the program would allow applicants to apply for loan assistance and said applicants must hold a master's degree and practice 20 hours a week with a school to qualify. Senator Smitherman and others described a need for more athletic trainers in middle and high schools.
Committee members and supporters framed the bill as discretionary and subject to available funds; the Commission on Higher Education would administer loan-assistance authority.
Why it matters
Supporters said the bill addresses a shortage of athletic trainers in K–12 schools and would use loan assistance to encourage the workforce. Committee members emphasized the discretionary nature of the program and that continued funding depends on appropriations and commission decisions.
