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HB 1354

Tuition Assistance Grant Program; eligible institutions.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Delores McQuinn and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1354 expands tuition assistance grant eligibility to additional Virginia institutions but was tabled after fiscal concerns raised questions about cost and implementation feasibility.

Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 1354

Legislative bill overview

HB 1354 modifies Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program by expanding or redefining which institutions are eligible to participate. The bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee and received a fiscal impact assessment, indicating potential budgetary implications. A subcommittee voted to table the bill on February 4, 2026, effectively halting its progress.

Why is this important

The TAG program directly affects Virginia students' access to affordable higher education by providing need-based grants. Changes to eligible institutions could shift funding flows between public universities, private colleges, and other post-secondary providers, impacting both student choices and institutional finances across the state. The fiscal impact assessment suggests the proposal carries meaningful budget consequences for state spending.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source – The fiscal impact statement indicates budgetary concerns; expanding eligible institutions likely increases program costs without identifying new revenue
  • Institutional equity – Changes to eligibility criteria may advantage certain institution types (private vs. public, research vs. regional) while disadvantaging others
  • Student access trade-offs – Broader eligibility might dilute per-student grant amounts, or narrower eligibility might exclude certain student populations currently served

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

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