An Act Concerning Tuition Waivers For Dependent Children Of Permanently Disabled Veterans At Public Institutions Of Higher Education.
Summary
SB 572 would require the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees to waive tuition at public institutions of higher education for dependent children of veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill is aimed at children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service, and it applies to the public colleges and universities governed by those two boards.
In practical terms, the measure would create a new tuition benefit for eligible dependents, reducing or eliminating the cost of attendance at Connecticut public higher education institutions for this group. The bill does not describe changes to fees other than tuition, nor does it specify additional eligibility details beyond the veteran’s VA disability rating and the child’s dependent status.
Impact
The bill would amend Title 10a of the Connecticut General Statutes to mandate tuition waivers at public institutions of higher education under the Board of Regents and UConn governance for qualifying dependent children of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. It would expand state veterans’ education benefits and impose a financial obligation on the affected public higher education systems by foregoing tuition revenue for eligible students.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition. Based on the bill’s purpose and subject matter, it appears to be a supportive veterans’ benefits measure intended to assist families of severely disabled service members. The available record does not show any recorded controversy or formal vote outcome.
Contention
The main policy question likely concerns the fiscal impact on public colleges and universities, since the bill requires mandatory tuition waivers rather than discretionary aid. Another possible point of discussion is eligibility scope: the benefit is limited to dependent children of veterans with a 100% VA disability rating, which may prompt questions about whether other disabled veterans’ dependents should also qualify. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided record.