Brief Description: Mandating that a percentage of tuition waivers be granted to veterans.

Sponsors: Representatives Kristiansen, B. Sullivan, Cox, Sells, Woods, Rodne, Bailey, Pearson, Strow, Campbell, Serben, O'Brien, Ahern, Kretz and Murray.

Hearing Date: 1/20/06

Staff: Nina Oman (786-7152).

Background:

Veterans Qualifying Under State Law

Institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for an eligible veteran or National Guard member, defined as a person who has a:

• domicile in Washington;
• was an active or reserve member of the United States military or naval forces or a

   National Guard member called to active duty;

• served in active federal service;
• served in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or in another location in support of those serving on foreign soil or in international waters; and
• if discharged, received an honorable discharge.

Tuition waivers are also allowed for:

• a child and the spouse of an eligible veteran (or National Guard member) who became totally disabled while engaged in active federal military or naval service, or who is determined by the federal government to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; and
• a child and the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran (or National Guard member) who lost his or her life while engaged in active federal military or naval service. Upon remarriage, the surviving spouse is no longer eligible for a waiver.

The institutions may also offer waivers to a military or naval veteran who resides inWashington but who did not serve on foreign soil or in international waters or in another location in support of those serving on foreign soil or in international waters but no state funding support is provided for these waivers.

Tuition Waivers

Tuition waivers offered in 2003-04 totaled $86.0 million at the four-year institutions, and $66.4 million at the community colleges.

Summary of Bill:

Ten percent of total operating fees revenue waived by public institutions of higher education must be granted, by each institution and the community colleges as a whole, to veterans.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.