Iowa House Bill HF2144

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(Formerly HF 2023.)

Impact

The implementation of HF2144 will have a significant impact on both military personnel and educational institutions in Iowa. By providing scholarship funding aimed specifically at members of the Army Reserve, the program not only ensures educational opportunities for these individuals but also acknowledges their service. Awards are capped at the resident tuition rate for state-controlled institutions, which helps secure educational access while managing state financial resources effectively.

Summary

House File 2144 establishes the United States Army Reserve Service Scholarship Program, aiming to support members of the United States Army Reserve seeking higher education in Iowa. The program, administered by the college student aid commission, provides financial scholarships to eligible reservists who are enrolled as undergraduate students in Iowa community colleges or accredited private institutions. To qualify, applicants must meet a series of criteria including residency, satisfactory completion of initial active duty training, and maintaining good academic progress during their studies.

Contention

Key points of contention around this bill include its eligibility restrictions and funding distribution. The requirement that scholarships cannot exceed a certain number of credit hours (120 or 130 for certain programs) may limit the educational aspirations of students who wish to pursue dual degrees or extended studies. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding; should the appropriated funds fall short of demand, the commission would need to determine who receives scholarships, which could lead to disputes among potential applicants about fairness in the selection process. Critics may argue that while supporting military members is crucial, the restrictions imposed might not adequately meet the needs of all eligible applicants.