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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 351

Overview

HB 351 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act relating to military-connected educational benefits. The bill appears to address the administration, eligibility, funding, or scope of education-related benefits for military-connected students and veterans within the Commonwealth. The exact text is not provided here, but the action history indicates the bill progressed through the House committee process in January 2026.

Intent and Purpose

  • To support individuals with military connection (e.g., active duty, veterans, dependents) in accessing and using educational benefits.
  • To clarify or expand state-level responsibilities and processes surrounding military-connected education programs.
  • To align Kentucky’s educational benefits with needs identified by military families and veterans, potentially enhancing access, administration, or funding mechanisms.

Key Provisions (as typical for this topic; note that exact text would specify the details)

While the bill’s full text is not included, typical provisions in similar Kentucky legislation may cover:
- Eligibility criteria for state education benefits for veterans, dependents, or National Guard members.
- Eligibility and residency requirements for state-supported or state-administered programs.
- Duties of state agencies (e.g., Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Department of Veterans Affairs) to administer benefits, provide guidance, and coordinate with postsecondary institutions.
- Tuition assistance, waiver, or exemption provisions for eligible military-connected students.
- Transferability or portability of benefits between in-state and out-of-state institutions, or between different education levels (undergraduate, graduate, professional).
- Reimbursement timelines, reporting requirements, and auditing or compliance provisions.
- Coordination with federal programs (e.g., GI Bill) and the possibility of supplementary state funding.
- Data collection and reporting on benefits utilization and outcomes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Military members on active duty or in the National Guard, and their dependents, who pursue postsecondary education or training in Kentucky.
  • Veterans seeking higher education or career-technical training within Kentucky.
  • Kentucky colleges and universities, and possibly vocational-technical schools, that participate in administering or awarding benefits.
  • State agencies involved in veterans affairs, higher education, and fiscal administration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Initial action history shows referral to the House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee on January 21, 2026, with introduction in the House on January 13, 2026.
  • The bill would move through standard committee review, potential amendments, and then floor consideration in the Kentucky House, followed by passage to the Senate (not shown in the provided history).
  • If enacted, the act would take effect on a specified effective date, likely aligning with the fiscal year or a later date determined in the bill. Fiscal notes or implementation timelines (e.g., phased rollout) may accompany final language.

Potential Implications

  • Improved access to education benefits for Kentucky military-connected students and veterans.
  • Streamlined administration of benefits at participating postsecondary institutions.
  • Possible changes in tuition support, eligibility rules, or reporting requirements for state agencies.
  • Enhanced coordination between state programs and federal education benefits (e.g., GI Bill) to avoid duplication and maximize support.

Note: For a precise, point-by-point summary of provisions, eligibility details, dollar amounts, timelines, and fiscal impact, the full text of HB 351 would be required. The above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical areas affected based on its title and common legislative practice.

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

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