ACHE may make and carry out rules for the program, and it must administer the program and provide related public information.
(a) Basic powers. ACHE may adopt rules, policies, and procedures as may be reasonable and proper in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, ACHE may do all of the following: (1) Adopt reasonable rules and determinations concerning the qualification of applicants as Alabama residents or as eligible students and the qualification of institutions as approved institutions. (2) Alter or amend the definition of “eligible student” in order to enable the program to meet the requirements of the state or federal constitutions or any applicable statute, administrative rule, or judicial decision, if the alteration is deemed both necessary and reasonable. (3) Determine the extent to which applicants, including part-time students, shall be eligible for grants under this chapter. (4) Adopt reasonable rules and determinations concerning the method of payment of grants to approved institutions on behalf of and to the credit of eligible students. (5) Request submission of and obtain all information reasonably needed for the effective administration of the program from individual applicants for grants or from institutions which enroll eligible students. (6) Accept grants and contributions, which are intended to provide financial assistance to Alabama students, and to use those grants and contributions for the purpose or purposes for which the same are made. (b) Basic duties. ACHE shall be responsible for the effective implementation and administration of the program. ACHE shall do all of the following: (1) Issue public information, design all forms needed for the effective administration of the program, process all applications, certifications of eligibility, approvals, awards, renewals, revocations, and disbursements of grants, ensure against the utilization of grants for religious or sectarian purposes as provided in Section 16-33A-7, and adopt and implement all rules, policies, and procedures reasonably needed for the effective administration of the program. (2) Provide information including, but not limited to, brochures, pamphlets, and signage explaining the program and the process for applying for grants under the program, to high school guidance counselors and student counselors employed by approved institutions for publication and distribution to students.