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Bill would cover in‑state tuition for children of 100% disabled veterans; committee adopts amendment
Summary
Senators considered a bill to cover 100% of in‑state tuition for undergraduate students who are dependent children of veterans rated 100% disabled; an A1 amendment narrowing eligibility was adopted and the file was laid over.
Senators reviewed legislation to provide full in‑state tuition and covered fees for eligible undergraduate students who are dependent children of veterans with a total and permanent (100%) disability.
Senator Klein presented Senate File 1074 and described the A1 amendment, which narrows eligibility to dependents of veterans rated 100% disabled and requires applicants to complete the FAFSA and apply for other available benefits. “To qualify for the program, a person must be a resident student, they must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree … and they must be a dependent child of a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has a total and permanent disability,” Klein said while outlining eligibility and award mechanics.
A veteran who testified, Alan Gursky, described his experience as a 20‑year Navy veteran rated 100% disabled and urged the committee to support a standalone state program. Several senators praised the proposal’s intent and discussed fiscal implications. Senator Otke asked how the revised eligibility would affect the fiscal note; Klein said the scope was narrowed from a broader threshold down to only 100% disability ratings and signaled expectation of a revised fiscal estimate.
Committee action: Senator Putnam moved the A1 amendment; the committee voted by voice and the amendment was adopted. Senate File 1074, as amended, was laid over for further consideration.
Program mechanics: The bill as explained in committee would pay eligible students’ tuition, fees and books after accounting for other financial aid and scholarship support; the award would be in addition to, not in lieu of, existing state grant awards. The bill requires applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to apply for other available education benefits.
Budget and implementation questions: Senators raised concerns about the fiscal note, with members observing that the number of qualifying veterans and their dependent demographics could materially affect the cost. Suggestions included capping assistance for private institutions at the in‑state public university rate as a potential cost‑containment option.
Next steps: Committee members asked for an updated fiscal note and signaled this file will be revisited as committees prepare omnibus budget language.
