Arizona 2024 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1409

Introduced

1/30/24

Report Pass

2/7/24

Introduced

1/30/24

Report Pass

2/12/24

Report Pass

2/7/24

Engrossed

2/22/24

Report Pass

2/12/24

Report Pass

3/11/24

Engrossed

2/22/24

Report Pass

3/18/24

Report Pass

3/11/24

Report Pass

3/18/24

Caption

Military veteran spouses; tuition scholarships

Impact

The introduction of SB 1409 is expected to bolster the educational opportunities available to spouses of military veterans in Arizona. By providing financial support through tuition scholarships, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden of attending higher education institutions. Eligible candidates can receive scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees minus any federal assistance, making higher education more accessible to this group. Additionally, the bill could strengthen ties between local educational institutions and the veteran community, fostering a more inclusive environment for military families.

Summary

Senate Bill 1409 establishes a tuition scholarship fund specifically for the spouses of military veterans in Arizona. The bill amends Section 15-1809 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and mandates the Arizona Board of Regents to administer this fund. Tuition scholarships will be awarded based on the availability of funds, which are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing, to eligible applicants who meet specific criteria such as being the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran and maintaining residency in Arizona. The bill is designed to support educational access for military families, recognizing their unique sacrifices and contributions to the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1409 appears to be largely positive, especially among veterans' groups and educational advocates who see the bill as a necessary support mechanism for military families. Legislators who back the bill argue that it is an important step towards recognizing and rewarding the sacrifices made by service members and their families. However, there may also be concerns regarding the funding and sustainability of the tuition scholarship program, which could spark debate over resource allocation within the state's budget.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the eligibility criteria and how funds will be distributed, particularly if there are insufficient resources to meet demand. The first-come, first-served awarding process suggests that not all eligible spouses may receive scholarships, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility. Additionally, the bill may face scrutiny on whether the appropriations are adequate and consistent with the needs of military families, which could lead to discussions on the long-term viability and impact of the program.

Latest SB1409 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1206

Commercial vehicles; penalty; civil; criminal

IN HB1511

Higher education scholarships, grants, and cost exemptions.

KS SB123

Enacting the Kansas adult learner grant act to establish a grant program for adult learners to pursue certain fields of study, enacting the career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment success act to require school districts to pay for the cost of assessments for students to obtain an approved career technical education credential, designating military veterans and spouses or dependents of such veterans who were stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months as residents for purposes of tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions and expanding the eligible fields of study under the Kansas promise scholarship act.

AZ HB2336

Tuition; family; posttraumatic stress; suicide

AZ SB1174

Tuition; family; posttraumatic stress; suicide

MI SB0167

Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).

KS HB2645

Senate Substitute for HB2645 by Committee on Education - Removing limits on the number and amount of awards under the nursing service scholarship program, modifying the interest rate terms for repayment obligations under such program, abolishing the nursing service scholarship review committee and modifying the financial limitations on awards under the Kansas hero's scholarship act and broadening the eligibility requirements for such awards.

KS SB438

Establishing the Kansas blueprint for literacy and a literacy advisory committee, directing the board of regents to appoint a director of literacy education, requiring the board of regents and board of education to collaborate on a literacy micro-credential, providing university presidents and deans of education oversight over postsecondary literacy courses, requiring a plan to establish centers of excellence in reading, requiring the board of education to submit annual reports to the legislature on literacy goals; establishing the Kansas education opportunity scholarship to replace the Kansas ethnic minority scholarship, removing limits on Kansas nursing service scholarship awards and modifying the interest rate terms and repayment obligations for such awards, eliminating the requirement to subtract other aid from the state payment for the AO-K program, modifying financial limitations on Kansas hero's scholarship awards and broadening eligibility requirements for such awards.