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Panel approves SB 60 to close CalVet fee-waiver and California GI Bill loopholes for extended education programs
Summary
SB 60 clarifies that CalVet fee waivers and the California GI Bill apply to eligible extended-education programs at public universities when those programs meet degree requirements. The subcommittee voted 4-0 to pass the bill and refer it to appropriations.
The Senate subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs voted unanimously to pass SB 60 and refer it to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill clarifies legislative intent for the CalVet fee waiver and the California National Guard GI Bill so that eligible spouses, children and qualifying National Guard veterans are not denied benefits when they enroll in extended-education programs that meet undergraduate degree requirements.
"SB 60 is a clarifying bill on the intent of the legislature for the Cal Vet fee waiver program and the California military department GI bill," the bill’s presenter said. He told the committee he took the issue to the Legislature after a constituent reported that a child had been denied a CalVet fee waiver while pursuing a bachelor’s degree through an extended-education program.
Jim Zenner, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and legislative chair for the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, testified in strong support, saying the gap "creates an unintended barrier for spouses and children who need flexible accessible pathways to complete their degrees." Several veterans organizations and local officials also testified in support.
Supporters told the subcommittee that some campuses had denied eligibility because extended-education programs are self-funded and in some cases treated separately from mandatory systemwide tuition and fees. In response, proponents said SB 60 would make the legislative intent explicit so the fee waiver and GI Bill apply when the extended programs fulfill degree requirements.
Senator Menjivar moved the bill; the subcommittee recorded a 4-0 vote to pass SB 60 and refer it to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee record included testimony providing a revenue context for extended-education programs: the presenter said the self-funded programs had grown from about $198 million in February 2014 to about $328 million as of February 2023, which supporters used to argue the loss of a fee waiver would have limited fiscal impact on those self-supporting units.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 60 — Do pass and refer to Appropriations; recorded vote 4-0.
The bill will advance to the appropriations process for fiscal review and any amendments.
