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SF 309

A bill for an act establishing the dependent of a disabled veteran tuition grant program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SF 309 provides tuition grants up to $10,000 per year for dependents of disabled veterans, supporting their higher education for up to eight semesters.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · SF 309

Summary of SF 309: Dependent of a Disabled Veteran Tuition Grant Program

Purpose and Intent

Senate File 309 (SF 309) aims to establish a tuition grant program specifically for the dependents of disabled veterans. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students pursuing higher education at colleges and universities, thereby supporting the educational aspirations of families impacted by veteran disabilities.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions regarding the tuition grant program:

  1. Eligibility and Duration:

    • Full-time Students: Eligible full-time students can receive grants for up to eight semesters or until they earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
    • Part-time Students: Eligible part-time students may receive grants for up to twelve semesters, prorated based on their enrollment status.

  2. Grant Amounts:

    • For full-time students, the grant amount will be the lesser of $10,000 per year or the actual cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible institution.
    • For part-time students, the grant will be prorated based on their enrollment, reflecting the amount awarded to full-time students.

  3. Annual Reapplication:

    • Grants will be awarded on an annual basis, requiring students to reapply each year. Payments will be distributed equally across semesters and sent directly to the eligible institution upon certification of the student’s eligibility.

  4. Refund Policy:

    • If a grant recipient discontinues attendance before the end of a semester, any refund due will be returned in full.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of SF 309 are:
- Dependents of Disabled Veterans: Students who are dependents of veterans with disabilities will have access to financial support for their education.
- Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities will receive grant payments directly, which may help increase enrollment from this demographic.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was reviewed by a subcommittee consisting of members Shipley, Salmon, and Winckler.
    • A subcommittee meeting was held on February 19, 2025, and the subcommittee recommended passage on February 20, 2025.

Conclusion

SF 309 represents a significant step toward supporting the educational needs of dependents of disabled veterans by providing them with financial resources to pursue higher education. The establishment of this grant program underscores a commitment to assist families affected by the sacrifices made by veterans.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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