Connecticut House Bill HB05567

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/19
• Refer: 1/17/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Unused Tuition Waivers At Public Institutions Of Higher Education And Children Of Veterans.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5567 would significantly impact the educational opportunities available to children of veterans by providing them with a pathway to a tuition-free education at public institutions. By calculating the number of semesters for which a child may receive a waiver based on the remaining unused semesters from their veteran parent, the bill aims to ensure that these benefits are appropriately allocated and utilized, thereby expanding access to higher education for families of veterans.

Summary

House Bill 5567 is an act concerning unused tuition waivers for children of veterans at public institutions of higher education. The bill proposes to amend title 10a of the general statutes to ensure that any child of a veteran who is entitled to a tuition waiver can receive one if their parent did not fully utilize the tuition waivers available to them. This act seeks to address the gaps in benefits for the children of veterans, enabling them to access higher education more easily and lessening the financial burden associated with tuition fees.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed favorably as a positive step toward supporting veterans' families, some potential points of contention may arise around its implementation and the adequacy of funding for such tuition waivers. Lawmakers could debate the feasibility of extending these waivers amid budget constraints in higher education funding. Furthermore, there may be discussions regarding the potential impact on existing educational benefits programs and ensuring that the bill does not inadvertently affect other veterans' benefits.