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HB 299

Education, Higher - As introduced, extends to the dependent children and spouses of veterans who sustained a permanent and total service-connected disability during a qualifying period of armed conflict the same waiver of all tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education being provided to the dependent children and spouses of veterans who were killed, died due to injuries received, or reported as prisoners of war or missing in action during a qualifying period of armed conflict. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Reedy

Tennessee bill extends tuition waivers at public colleges to families of veterans with permanent service disabilities, matching benefits for families of combat fatalities.

P2C, ref. to Education Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 299

Legislative bill overview

HB 299 expands Tennessee's existing veteran education benefits by extending full tuition and fee waivers at public higher education institutions to the dependent children and spouses of veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities. Currently, these waivers only apply to dependents and spouses of veterans who were killed in action, died from service injuries, or were prisoners of war/missing in action during qualifying armed conflicts.

Why is this important

This change would provide significant financial relief to families of disabled veterans, potentially removing a major barrier to higher education for thousands of students. The policy recognizes service-connected disabilities as equivalent sacrifices to those lost in combat, which affects both educational access and the long-term economic mobility of veteran families.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Expanding benefits increases state expenditure on higher education; fiscal analysis of how many additional beneficiaries qualify is needed
  • Definitional precision: "Permanent and total service-connected disability" requires clear criteria; disputes may arise over eligibility determinations and consistency across institutions
  • Equity questions: Some may argue other vulnerable populations (low-income families, students with disabilities unrelated to service) also face barriers, raising questions about prioritization of resources

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

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