Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
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. |
Brief Description: Authorizing waivers of building fees and services and activities fees for certain military service members.
Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Zeiger, Reykdal, Haler, Tarleton, Hayes, Sells, Stambaugh, Klippert, Smith and Gregerson; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/11/15
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
United States Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program.
The United States Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program offers up to 100 percent tuition assistance for those members of the 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 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 a semester credit hour or $166 a quarter credit hour, up to a total of $4,500 a fiscal year. An eligible armed forces member may receive tuition assistance up to a grand total of 130 semester hours for undergraduate credit and 39 semester hours of graduate credit. However, the Navy limits the total tuition assistance amount per fiscal year to 16 semester hours or $4,000. The tuition assistance covers tuition and mandatory fees associated with an individual course enrollment. Tuition assistance does not cover non-refundable fees, books, or programs beyond a master's degree. The tuition assistance is paid directly to the institution.
Summary of Bill:
The governing boards of the public institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of building fees and service and activity fees for military service members eligible to participate in the United State Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.