Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2323

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.(Formerly HSB 556.)

Impact

The proposed legislation stipulates that scholarship awards will not exceed the educational costs charged by the attending institution, ensuring that financial aid is closely tied to actual expenses. The College Student Aid Commission will administer the program, which will require approval of the educational programs by the Adjutant General. Eligibility criteria are established to guarantee recipients meet specific military service requirements and are enrolled in accredited institutions, thus fostering a structured path for National Guard members into higher education.

Summary

House File 2323, also known as the National Guard Service Continuing Education Scholarship Program, aims to enhance educational opportunities for members of the Iowa National Guard. This bill modifies existing provisions related to the National Guard service scholarship program and introduces a new scholarship program to support guard members pursuing specific educational credentials. The initiative seeks to facilitate access to higher education for service members, potentially leading to greater job prospects and skill development in trade and technical fields.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 2323 is its focus on providing scholarships based on educational credentials rather than degree attainment, specifically excluding associate degrees or higher. This could raise questions among stakeholders about the adequacy of vocational training and whether it sufficiently meets the educational and professional needs of service members. Furthermore, discussions in legislative committee forums may spotlight the adequacy of fund appropriations to ensure that the scholarships can adequately serve all eligible members, particularly during years of limited financial resources for educational funding.

Companion Bills

IA HSB556

Related A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.(See HF 2323.)

IA SSB3071

Related A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.

Previously Filed As

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 SSB1049

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.

IA HSB4

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.(See HF 118.)

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 HB660

Regards the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program

IA HB300

Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.

IA HB2185

Updating the Kansas national guard educational assistance act to include dependents of national guard members and the Kansas national guard educational master's for enhanced readiness and global excellence (EMERGE) program to include other advanced degrees.

IA S0318

Educational Scholarship Programs

IA S7030

Educational Scholarship Programs

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.