Committee advances bill to change timing, eligibility for Roberta Willis scholarship program

Senate Bill 5, a measure that would change timing and eligibility rules for the Roberta Willis scholarship program, was advanced to the floor and added to the committee’s consent calendar by unanimous consent.

Committee members said the bill is intended to fix long-standing timing problems that prevent institutions and students from knowing awards soon enough to incorporate them into financial aid packages. Senator Schlapp, a sponsor, summarized the bill as updating index references used to define need and expanding eligibility “to students who currently qualify but are shut out of the program.”

Several members emphasized the program’s student-centered intent. Senator Slapp said “two thirds of the students who are eligible get nothing,” describing the current funding level as inadequate and urging the committee to make a statement by advancing the bill. Representative Branco described the bill’s core change as giving institutions “plenty of advance notice” so financial-aid packaging is not disrupted and said the measure would require an up-front investment to allow the program to be funded a year ahead.

Other lawmakers voiced strong support on equity grounds. Representative Eckert said she was “embarrassed” by how little students receive under the current system and supported moving the bill forward. Representative Paris and Senator Edgar Wilcox likewise expressed support, saying the scholarship helps students from underserved backgrounds and expands access to higher education.

Representative Branco asked that the bill be included on the committee’s consent calendar; the chair added it without objection. The committee did not take a roll-call vote on the bill at the meeting; the item will proceed to the floor as part of the consent calendar.

The bill’s sponsors noted a fiscal note will follow to show the cost of increasing funding to meet the new timing and eligibility rules.