FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1706

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

The United States (U.S.) Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program offers up to 100 percent tuition assistance for those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who wish to take college courses during their off-duty hours. Members of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force on active duty status may receive tuition assistance depending on their service branch's eligibility and application requirements. The National Guard, Coast Guard, and Army Reserve members on federal active duty status are also eligible. There may be additional tuition assistance eligibility requirements depending on the branch, such as a time-in-service requirement.

Tuition assistance can be used for qualifying courses and degree programs from two-year and four-year institutions. The standard tuition assistance is 100 percent, not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour or $166 per quarter credit hour, up to a total of $4,000 per fiscal year. An eligible U.S. Armed Forces member may receive tuition assistance up to a combined total of 130 semester hours for undergraduate credit and 39 semester hours of graduate credit. In 2014 the federal government changed the program so tuition assistance only covers tuition. Fees, books, supplies, or programs beyond a master's degree are not covered.

Summary:

The governing boards of the public institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of building fees and services and activity fees for military service members eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	49	0