Proposal to change family-responsibility calculation laid over after committee debate
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Summary
Rep. Allen presented HF4266 to modify the family responsibility amount used for state grant awards; OHE fiscal estimates were discussed, members warned the bill primarily shifts eligibility and could cut 500 students from state grants in isolation; a referral motion was laid over.
Representative Allen presented House File 4266, which would modify the recognized family responsibility amount applied when calculating state grant awards. He framed the bill as an effort to preserve the state grant program amid what supporters called a structural shortfall.
Members questioned the timing and the fiscal analysis. Nicole Whelan, state grant research manager at the Office of Higher Education, said the fiscal note was calculated assuming an unrationed program baseline and then applying the bill’s changes; isolating the bill’s effect, the analysis estimated about 500 fewer students would qualify for a state grant. Whelan said additional rationing applied to the program to match appropriations would increase the number of students who would not receive awards.
Some members warned the change would shift pressure onto the North Star Promise program and could reduce enrollment if students lose aid. Chair Robbins said the bill would be sent to Ways and Means; a roll-call was taken but the motion did not attain the necessary majority and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Allen said the bill is intended to preserve the state grant program in the near term and allow OHE flexibility to reallocate or reaward funds if surpluses occur. Members asked OHE to provide further details on how the bill’s changes interact with rationing assumptions and program priorities.