A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1049 boosts financial aid for Iowa National Guard members in college by adjusting scholarship calculations, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

Subcommittee: Dawson, Dotzler, and McClintock.

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Bill Overview

Bill Number: SSB 1049
Title: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Status: Currently in subcommittee (Dawson, Dotzler, and McClintock)
Classification: Proposed bill
Subject Areas: College student aid commission, colleges and universities, military, National Guard, regents board, scholarships, tuition

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SSB 1049 is to amend the existing National Guard service scholarship program in Iowa. This program provides financial assistance to members of the Iowa National Guard who are pursuing higher education at eligible colleges and universities within the state. The bill aims to enhance the financial support available to these service members by adjusting the scholarship award calculations.

Key Provisions

Scholarship Award Calculation:

The bill modifies the current law which states that scholarship awards shall not exceed the resident tuition rate set by the state board of regents.
Under the new provisions, the scholarship amount will also consider the difference between the tuition rate at the institution attended by the National Guard member and any financial aid received from specified federal programs. This means that the scholarship can cover more of the tuition costs, potentially increasing the financial support for eligible members.

Eligibility Criteria Changes:

The bill removes the existing provision that eligibility and scholarship award determinations cannot be based on a National Guard member’s unit, the location of their drills, or whether they are part of the Iowa Army or Air National Guard. This change may allow for more tailored scholarship awards based on these factors.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are members of the Iowa National Guard who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in eligible Iowa colleges and universities.
The changes may also impact the financial aid landscape for these students, potentially making higher education more accessible and affordable for them.

Potential Outcomes:

By increasing the scholarship amounts and modifying eligibility criteria, the bill aims to provide greater financial relief to National Guard members, encouraging them to pursue higher education while serving their country.

Legislative Timeline

January 28, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Veterans Affairs committee, where it is currently under review by a subcommittee consisting of members Dawson, Dotzler, and McClintock.

This summary provides a clear overview of SSB 1049, outlining its purpose, key changes, and potential impacts on National Guard members seeking higher education in Iowa.

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