Bill

A 7389

Relates to graduate tuition assistance program awards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Khaleel Anderson and 8 co-sponsors

A 7389 updates GTAP awards to clarify eligibility, award amounts, and renewal rules, affecting graduate students and the programs that administer them.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 7389

Summary of Bill A 7389 — Relates to graduate tuition assistance program awards

Basic information

Bill number: A 7389
Title: Relates to graduate tuition assistance program awards
Status: Referred to Higher Education
Introduced: March 25, 2025
Classification: Bill

Legislative actions

2025-03-25: Referred to Higher Education (listed twice in the record)
The companion/related Senate bills referenced: S 3810 (companion), S 8404 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent (as indicated by the title)

The bill is focused on the graduate tuition assistance program (GTAP) awards. While the exact statutory text is not provided here, the title indicates the bill aims to modify or clarify aspects of how GTAP awards are determined, awarded, or administered.

Potential provisions and areas likely affected (based on the bill’s title and typical GTAP changes)

Note: The precise provisions would be spelled out in the bill text. The following areas are commonly addressed in graduate tuition assistance reforms and would be expected to be considered or revised in A 7389:
- Eligibility criteria for GTAP awards: who qualifies (e.g., resident status, income requirements, program type, field of study).
- Award amounts and duration: changes to how much may be awarded, caps per recipient, or length of time awards are available.
- Application and renewal processes: requirements for applying, submission windows, documentation, and renewal criteria.
- Funding allocation and priorities: how funds are distributed (e.g., need-based vs. merit-based, prioritizing certain fields or underserved populations).
- Administration and oversight: reporting, auditing, and accountability measures for administering GTAP awards.
- Eligibility alignment with workforce or policy goals: potential alignment with state workforce development plans, STEM fields, or other strategic priorities.
- Interactions with existing student aid programs: how GTAP awards interact with loans, grants, or other tuition assistance programs.

Who would be affected

Graduate students eligible for the state’s graduate tuition assistance program, including potential changes in eligibility, award amounts, and renewal requirements.
Higher education institutions administering GTAP awards, who may need to adjust intake, verification, and reporting processes.
State higher education programs and departments responsible for funding and oversight of GTAP.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Higher Education committee, indicating it is in the initial legislative phase.
If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings and potential amendments, then to floor action in the Assembly, and, depending on companion Senate actions, could move toward enactment.
Related Senate bills (companion and prior-session references) suggest cross-chamber consideration and potential alignment with earlier or related proposals.

Potential impact and considerations

If enacted, the bill could broaden or refine access to graduate education by adjusting how awards are allocated and managed.
Stakeholders to monitor include graduate students, graduate programs, state higher education agencies, and fiscal officers responsible for GTAP funding.

Next steps for readers

To understand the exact changes, review the full text of A 7389 and any accompanying fiscal notes or impact statements.
Compare with related bills (S 3810 and S 8404) and their provisions to see alignment across chambers and sessions.

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