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Delegate’s top‑2% tuition idea laid on table after university concerns

Virginia House Higher Education Subcommittee · January 28, 2026
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Summary

An idea bill proposing free tuition at a geographically corresponding public university for students in the top 2% of their high‑school class was introduced for discussion and then laid on the table after university representatives raised concerns about financial aid and program administration; the patron said he will continue working on it.

Delegate Garrett (Speaker 10) introduced an idea bill proposing that students who finish in the top 2% of their high‑school class be eligible for free tuition at a geographically corresponding public university. The patron framed the measure as a way to keep high‑achieving students in their home regions and reduce "brain drain." He said special‑mission institutions (HBCUs and VMI) would be preserved and that a number of flagship universities would remain outside the proposal.

Representatives from James Madison University (Caitlin Reed, Speaker 20) and Longwood University (Emily O’Brien, Speaker 21) thanked the patron for engaging and raised concerns that the proposal would "make radical changes to the ways in which we currently administer financial aid and the ways we compete for in‑state students." They asked to continue the conversation to work through operational and competitive issues.

After discussion, a motion was made to lay House Bill 990 on the table. The motion carried; Delegate Garrett asked the record to show his nay vote but said he remains willing to continue working with stakeholders on the idea.

The committee did not adopt the idea during this session; stakeholders indicated interest in continued negotiations about administration, competitiveness, and financial impacts.