Rep. Napoleon Bracy, Jr. Introduces Bill to Safeguard Alabama's Professional Workforce

November 25, 2025 - MONTGOMERY - In a move to defend Alabama's high-skill workforce, State Representative Napoleon Bracy, Jr. announced the introduction of the Alabama Professional Workforce Protection Act, a bill designed to formally recognize and protect a range of licensed, workforce-critical occupations that the federal government may soon exclude from its definition of "professional degree programs."

The legislation comes in response to a proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of Education that would narrow the scope of what qualifies as a "professional program" for federal student loan purposes. Under the proposed changes, several essential careers-including nursing, physician assistants, physical therapy, education, counseling, social work, public health, speech-language pathology, accounting, engineering, and architecture-would no longer be classified as professional degree programs.

"These careers are the backbone of our state," said Rep. Bracy. "They require rigorous education, training, licensure, and an incredible level of responsibility. The federal government may downgrade them, but Alabama will not."

Bracy's proposed legislation would ensure that these occupations remain fully eligible for state-level workforce development initiatives, scholarship programs, and professional incentives, regardless of any federal reclassification. The bill aims to preserve the status and support of these professions, which are vital to Alabama's economic and social infrastructure.

"We are facing statewide shortages in healthcare, education, mental health, and public health," Bracy emphasized. "This legislation protects our students, strengthens our workforce, and recognizes the dignity and professionalism of these critical careers."

In addition to the proposed bill, Bracy is introducing a companion House Joint Resolution that formally urges the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider its proposed changes and restore the affected occupations to the federal professional classification list. The resolution underscores the importance of these careers to Alabama's public well-being and economic development.

The Alabama Professional Workforce Protection Act is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. If passed, it would position Alabama as one of the first states to push back against the federal redefinition and to affirm its commitment to supporting professionals in fields that are essential to the state's health, education, and infrastructure.

Bracy's initiative has already drawn attention from educators, healthcare professionals, and workforce advocates who see the legislation as a necessary step to ensure continued investment in the state's future. As Alabama grapples with critical labor shortages in key sectors, the bill represents a proactive approach to maintaining the strength and stability of its professional workforce.