Connecticut House Bill HB05665

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Extending Tuition Waivers To The Parents Of A Person Killed In Action While Performing Active Military Duty.

Impact

If enacted, HB05665 will amend existing state statutes relating to higher education funding by providing financial relief to a targeted group — the parents of service members killed in action. This will create a new precedent in the state’s education funding policy, emphasizing support for families of the armed forces. Such a move is particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions about the costs of higher education and the need for accessible education pathways for families facing financial strain due to the loss of their loved ones in military service.

Summary

House Bill HB05665 proposes an extension of tuition waivers to the parents of individuals who were killed in action while serving in the active military duty of the United States. The bill specifically targets residents of the state who suffered this loss after September 11, 2001, allowing these parents to access waived tuition fees at public institutions governed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut. This act acknowledges and honors the sacrifices made by service members and aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by their families in pursuing higher education.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a supportive measure for military families, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding sources for this tuition waiver program. Questions may include whether the state will allocate new funding to support this initiative or if it will divert resources from existing educational programs. Additionally, some might argue about the broader implications of extending state benefits to specific demographic groups and whether similar measures should be implemented for other groups affected by military action. These discussions are likely to shape the legislative landscape as the bill is considered.