WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 990

Virginia Higher Education Scholarship Act Fund and Program; created and established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

HB 990 creates a Virginia Higher Education Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid, but faced subcommittee rejection with unclear funding mechanisms and program details.

Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 2-N)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 990

Legislative bill overview

HB 990 establishes a new Virginia Higher Education Scholarship Act Fund and associated scholarship program. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism to provide financial aid to Virginia higher education students, though specific details about eligibility, award amounts, and funding sources are not detailed in the available legislative record.

Why is this important

Higher education affordability is a significant concern for Virginia students and families. Creating a dedicated scholarship fund could expand access to postsecondary education and reduce student debt burden, directly affecting workforce development and economic mobility in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: Without knowing how the fund is financed (state budget allocation, dedicated tax, fees, etc.), there's uncertainty about fiscal impact and competing budget priorities
  • Program structure undefined: The specific scholarship criteria, award amounts, and distribution methods are not specified in available summaries, raising questions about fairness and effectiveness
  • Subcommittee opposition: The January 27 vote to "lay on the table" (6-2) suggests significant skepticism among the Higher Education subcommittee members about the bill's merit or approach

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

Sign in to ask a question.