House approves tuition-waiver benefit for families of National Guard members killed in action

The Utah House on Wednesday passed an amended bill to provide higher-education tuition assistance to spouses and children of National Guard members killed in action, voting 67 to 0 to send the measure to the Senate.

Representative Gregory Hughes, the bill sponsor, said he withdrew more costly elements — a lump-sum death benefit and a utility credit — to keep the measure fiscally feasible while preserving what he called "the most critical" piece: a tuition waiver for surviving family members. "I believe this is a debt that we all have to them," Hughes said, urging colleagues to support the amended bill.

Supporters described the measure as targeted and manageable. Representative (first name not stated in transcript) Falk, describing a personal connection, told the House, "My father was killed while serving in the Marine Corps... the benefits that I received... paid for my college education," and said the tuition waiver is a meaningful benefit for families.

Members asked whether the benefit applies only to the National Guard or more broadly to active-duty forces. Hughes replied the bill targets the National Guard because it falls under state jurisdiction, while benefits for federal active-duty personnel remain a federal responsibility. He also said the change can be covered "within the existing budget" and that the amendment removes provisions that would have created a fiscal note.

The House adopted Amendment 2 and then approved House Bill 144 as amended. The bill will now be referred to the Utah Senate for further action.