AN ACT TO WAIVE THE COST OF TUITION AT ANY STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR CERTAIN FOSTER OR ADOPTED CHILDREN OR WARDS OF THE STATE, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, UPON THE REQUEST OF A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING, TO CONFIRM THE ELIGIBILITY OF THOSE STUDENTS SEEKING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WAIVER PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE STUDENTS TO COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF NEED AND ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS; TO ESTABLISH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO MAKE REPORTS TO THE LEGISLATURE ON CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE TUITION WAIVER PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria including maintaining a 2.25 GPA and being under the care of the Department of Human Services. Students who qualify can receive assistance for up to four years after high school graduation or up to five years after first enrolling in higher education, allowing flexibility for those in varying educational paths. This financial support is seen as a crucial step to alleviate the burden of tuition costs for a demographic that often faces financial instability.
Summary
House Bill 239 aims to waive the cost of tuition and mandatory student fees for certain foster or adopted children and wards of the state who attend state institutions of higher learning. This bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by these individuals in pursuing higher education and intends to provide them with greater opportunities for educational advancement. The eligibility for the tuition waiver hinges on the student's status as either a foster child, adopted child, or ward of the state, in addition to meeting academic standards and enrollment requirements.
Contention
Despite the positive framework, the bill may encounter contention regarding the criteria set for eligibility. Stakeholders might debate the adequacy of support offered, as the requirement for students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could complicate access for some. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding how effective the program will be in encouraging higher education among foster and adopted children, and whether the waiver adequately addresses other associated costs of college attendance, such as living expenses.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.