Expands the veterans tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to eligible immediate family members; defines terms.
Impact
The proposed amendments would specifically enable veterans who have not utilized their tuition awards the opportunity to delegate these benefits to one immediate family member in a single instance. This change is significant as it broadens the scope of the education law relevant to veterans, allowing them to support their family's educational aspirations directly. The legislation also suggests that a child receiving these benefits must be under 26 years of age, promoting the purpose of aiding dependent youth in their educational pursuits.
Summary
Bill A09476 proposes to amend New York's education laws to expand the existing veterans tuition awards program. This bill allows qualified veterans to transfer unused tuition benefits to eligible immediate family members, which includes spouses and children. The intent of this legislation is to provide greater flexibility and support for veterans and their families in accessing educational benefits, thereby helping to alleviate some of the challenges that they may face when transitioning from military to civilian life.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding A09476 may arise from how the eligibility for transferring these benefits is defined and the implications for limiting transfers to only one family member per eligible veteran per year. Critics may argue that restricting transfers could leave many eligible family members without access to these benefits. Furthermore, the bill caps the number of tuition award transfers at one hundred per year, raising concerns over the potential for inequity and the fairness of distribution among veterans in need of support.
Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.
Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.
Expands eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes to certain veterans who have an immediate family member who shall have been a resident of this state for six months prior to the date of application for admission; defines an immediate family member to include a spouse, or a birth or adoptive parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, grandparent and grandchild; requires, where applicable, the immediate family member of a veteran applicant to file an affidavit of New York state residence; authorizes veterans with an immediate family member who has been a New York state resident for six months to be entitle to admission to the Long Island state veterans home at Stony Brook university.
Modifies collective Statewide transfer agreement and reverse transfer agreement; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.
Modifies collective statewide transfer agreement and reverse transfer agreement; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.