Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF361

Filed/Introduced
2/24/25  
Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

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

Impact

Under SF361, qualified students can receive scholarships for an equivalent of up to eight semesters of study. For community colleges, the scholarship amount will not exceed their financial need or 100% of resident tuition and mandatory fees. For universities under the control of the State Board of Regents or accredited private institutions, the funding will be based on the same criteria but capped at the average resident tuition and mandatory fees charged. However, if the available funding is inadequate, the commission will decide on the distribution of scholarships.

Summary

Senate File 361 establishes the Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program within the College Student Aid Commission of Iowa. The primary objective of this legislation is to provide scholarships for members of the reserve forces of the United States armed forces who enroll as full-time students in eligible institutions. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of these service members while also recognizing their commitment to their military duties and service.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the bill is the eligibility criteria for the scholarships, especially the exclusions based on prior educational attainments and discharge conditions from the armed forces. Members who have already achieved a baccalaureate degree or have been discharged under less than honorable conditions are deemed ineligible for these scholarships. This aspect of the bill raises discussions about fairness and the potential need for additional support for all veterans seeking further education.

Provisions

Furthermore, the bill allows the commission the discretion to modify statutory provisions for eligible students activated for military duties, ensuring they can utilize awarded scholarships even after a delay due to service. This flexibility could aid in minimizing administrative burdens placed on students who are balancing educational responsibilities with military commitments.

Companion Bills

IA HF234

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

IA HF837

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

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 HB748

Establish the Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program

IA SB2170

The creation of the army forces reserve component scholarship program.

IA SB2170

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of the army forces reserve component scholarship program.

IA S0094

Suicide Prevention for Active and Former Members of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, and their Reserve Components

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 S1638

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States.

IA A4192

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States.

IA HB747

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

Similar Bills

NJ A2970

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

SC H3871

Palmetto Access to HigherEd (PATH) Act

WI SB868

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

SC H3327

Educational lottery scholarship grants

NJ S3296

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WY HB0057

AN ACT relating to the use of Hathaway scholarships at private post secondary institutions; defining terms; creating a scholarship; establishing eligibility requirements; establishing payment of scholarship funds to private post secondary institutions; specifying success curriculum requirements; modifying the duties of the department of education; providing a sunset date; requiring rulemaking; requiring reporting; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

NJ A450

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WI AB486

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)