Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2125

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.

Impact

The scholarship program is tailored for resident members of the United States Army Reserve who have completed initial active duty training and maintain satisfactory performance. Eligible recipients must be enrolled in community colleges, state-controlled institutions, or accredited private institutions, thus directly impacting the financial landscape for these military personnel. The legislation aims to promote higher education among reserve members and encourage them to integrate educational pursuits alongside their military service commitments, which could contribute to better retention and morale within the reserve forces.

Summary

Senate File 2125 establishes the United States Army Reserve Service Scholarship Program, aimed at providing financial support for members of the U.S. Army Reserve who are enrolled as undergraduate students in Iowa's educational institutions. This bill is administered by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, which will oversee the eligibility requirements and award distribution. The scholarships can be utilized for tuition fees, adhering to the resident tuition rates determined by the state board of regents and ensuring that beneficiaries receive appropriate financial assistance to pursue their education without financial burden.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on providing aid to military members, it imposes a limitation on the number of credit hours for which scholarships can be awarded. An eligible member may receive funding for no more than 120 semester hours of undergraduate study, with an exception for those enrolled in specific degree programs meeting federal scholarship criteria. This restriction may raise debates about the adequacy of support for reservists seeking extended educational opportunities. Furthermore, the criteria for maintaining eligibility, such as the requirement to submit application forms and meet academic standards, might pose additional challenges for some members.

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 HF2144

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

Previously Filed As

IA SF361

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

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 HF837

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

IA HSB3

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

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 HB748

Establish the Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program

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.

IA SB2170

The creation of the army forces reserve component scholarship program.

IA HB300

Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.

IA HB747

Establishing a program for enrichment scholarships for gifted students and making an appropriation therefor.

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.