(a) Basic powers. The ACHE is authorized and empowered to promulgate such rules, regulations, policies and procedures as may be reasonable and proper in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this chapter. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the ACHE is authorized and empowered:

(1) To make reasonable rules, regulations and determinations concerning the qualification of applicants as Alabama residents or as eligible students and the qualification of institutions as approved institutions as defined in this chapter;

(2) To 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 regulation or judicial decision, if such alteration is deemed both necessary and reasonable;

(3) To determine the extent to which applicants, including part-time students, shall be eligible for grants under this chapter;

(4) To make reasonable rules, regulations and determinations concerning the method of payment of grants to approved institutions on behalf of and to the credit of eligible students;

(5) To 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; and

(6) To accept grants and contributions, which are intended to provide financial assistance to Alabama students, and to use such grants and contributions for the purpose or purposes for which the same are made.

(b) Basic duties. The ACHE shall be responsible for the effective implementation and administration of the program. The ACHE shall 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 promulgate and implement all rules, regulations, policies and procedures reasonably needed for the effective administration of the program.