SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5561

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Higher Education, February 10, 2015

Title: An act relating to veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility.

Brief Description: Concerning veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Kohl-Welles, Frockt, Honeyford, Hewitt, Rolfes, McAuliffe and Angel.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/05/15, 2/10/15 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Bailey, Chair; Baumgartner, Vice Chair; Kohl-Welles, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Frockt, Liias and Miloscia.

Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)

Background: Washington Military Tuition Waiver. Subject to the limitations on the total amount of operating fees that each Washington institution of higher education may waive, the institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for an eligible veteran or National Guard member. An eligible veteran or National Guard member is a Washington domiciliary who was on active or reserve duty in the United States armed forces, or a National Guard member called to active duty who served in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or in international waters and if discharged from service, was discharged honorably.

Washington institutions of higher education may also waive tuition for veterans or National Guard members who did not serve on foreign soil, in international waters, or in another location in support of those serving on foreign soil or international waters, but the institution receives no state general fund support for these waivers.

The institutions of higher education must waive all tuition and fees for:

A child must be a Washington domiciliary between the age of 17 and 26 to be eligible for this tuition waiver.

Federal Periods of Eligibility. A child of a person who died in service or has a total disability related to serving in the United States armed forces is eligible for federal educational assistance if the child is between the age of 18 and 26 or successfully completed secondary schooling. The child may also be eligible for educational assistance before turning age 18 or for an extended period past the age of 26 under eight defined circumstances.

Summary of Bill: A child of a veteran or National Guard member is eligible for a full tuition waiver at a Washington State institution of higher education if one of the child's parents became totally disabled as a result of active service, was a prisoner of war, or lost their life as a result of serving in active duty, and the child:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill allows veterans to choose the federal Department of Defense benefit or the state waiver, because it captures eight categories of veterans that are provided tuition assistance under federal law but not currently under state law.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Antonio Sanchez, Central WA University; Cody Eccles, Council of Presidents.