If enacted, this legislation would amend Chapter 304A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish official tuition waivers at community colleges. The financial implications will be significant as it does allocate state funds for the implementation of the waivers over two fiscal years. This financial support could alleviate the economic burden on students, potentially increasing enrollment rates at community colleges and enriching the local workforce by promoting higher education.
Summary
Senate Bill 736 proposes a tuition waiver for full-time students enrolled at community colleges within the University of Hawaii system. To qualify for this waiver, students must meet specific criteria including being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, having lived in Hawaii for at least twelve months, qualifying for resident tuition, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and continuous full-time enrollment. The bill aims to increase accessibility of community college education for eligible residents and support their educational journey.
Contention
While the bill appears to garner favorable attention for enhancing student access to education, it may encounter challenges regarding funding availability. The appropriation outlined in the bill suggests a need for a careful evaluation of the state's budgetary constraints and priorities. There may also be discussions regarding the eligibility criteria for the waivers, especially concerning 'eligible non-citizens,' which could lead to debates about inclusivity and access to education within the community.