Summary of Bill S 2565

Bill Number: S 2565

Title: Allows the higher education services corporation to consider an applicant's change in income due to the loss of employment in determining eligibility and award amount for the tuition assistance program

Status: PRINT NUMBER 2565A

Introduced: January 21, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2565 aims to provide financial relief to students who have experienced a loss of employment, thereby impacting their income. The bill seeks to amend the criteria used by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) when determining eligibility and award amounts for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). By allowing the consideration of recent income changes, the bill intends to ensure that students facing economic hardship can still access educational funding.

Key Provisions

• Income Consideration: The bill mandates that HESC must take into account an applicant's change in income due to job loss when assessing eligibility for TAP.
• Adjustment of Award Amounts: The legislation allows for adjustments in the award amounts based on the applicant's current financial situation, rather than solely relying on previous income levels.
• Application Process: The bill may require modifications to the application process to accommodate the new income assessment criteria.

Affected Parties

• Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who have lost their jobs and are seeking financial assistance for their education.
• Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC): The agency responsible for administering TAP will need to adapt its processes and criteria for evaluating applications.
• Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities may see changes in enrollment patterns as more students gain access to financial aid.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: January 21, 2025
• Referred to Committee: The bill was referred to the Higher Education Committee on the same day it was introduced.
• Amendments and Recommitment: On May 28, 2025, the bill was amended and recommitted to the Higher Education Committee, leading to the printing of version 2565A.

Related Bills

• S 7458: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
• A 7050: Another prior-session bill that could have implications for educational funding.
• S 1220: A prior-session bill that may have overlapping objectives.
• A 7245: A companion bill that may provide additional context or support for the provisions in S 2565.

Conclusion

Bill S 2565 represents a significant step towards making higher education more accessible for students facing financial difficulties due to job loss. By allowing HESC to consider changes in income, the bill aims to provide a more equitable approach to financial assistance in higher education. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final form and impact of this bill.