Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2144

Introduced
1/25/24  
Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(Formerly HF 2023.)

Impact

The implementation of HF2144 will have a significant impact on both military personnel and educational institutions in Iowa. By providing scholarship funding aimed specifically at members of the Army Reserve, the program not only ensures educational opportunities for these individuals but also acknowledges their service. Awards are capped at the resident tuition rate for state-controlled institutions, which helps secure educational access while managing state financial resources effectively.

Summary

House File 2144 establishes the United States Army Reserve Service Scholarship Program, aiming to support members of the United States Army Reserve seeking higher education in Iowa. The program, administered by the college student aid commission, provides financial scholarships to eligible reservists who are enrolled as undergraduate students in Iowa community colleges or accredited private institutions. To qualify, applicants must meet a series of criteria including residency, satisfactory completion of initial active duty training, and maintaining good academic progress during their studies.

Contention

Key points of contention around this bill include its eligibility restrictions and funding distribution. The requirement that scholarships cannot exceed a certain number of credit hours (120 or 130 for certain programs) may limit the educational aspirations of students who wish to pursue dual degrees or extended studies. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding; should the appropriated funds fall short of demand, the commission would need to determine who receives scholarships, which could lead to disputes among potential applicants about fairness in the selection process. Critics may argue that while supporting military members is crucial, the restrictions imposed might not adequately meet the needs of all eligible applicants.

Companion Bills

IA HF2023

Similar To A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(See HF 2144.)

IA SF2125

Similar To A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

Previously Filed As

IA HF837

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(Formerly HF 234.)

IA HF234

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(See HF 837.)

IA SF361

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

IA HF117

A bill for an act establishing the national guard service professional qualification scholarship program. (Formerly HSB 3.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB3

A bill for an act establishing the national guard service professional qualification scholarship program.(See HF 117.)

IA HF272

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 96.)

IA HF271

A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 97.)

IA HB748

Establish the Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program

IA HF118

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program. (Formerly HSB 4.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF309

A bill for an act establishing the dependent of a disabled veteran tuition grant program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.

Similar Bills

UT HB0109

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Alterations

UT SB0107

Education Scholarship Amendments

UT HB0467

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications

NJ S1027

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A1578

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

SC H4741

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

SC S0959

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

OR SB630

Relating to scholarships for use at participating nonpublic schools.