A bill for an act relating to the waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees charged to certain specified first responders and dependents of such first responders who are enrolled in institutions of higher education under the state board of regents.
Impact
If enacted, SF2020 will amend the applicable sections of the state code and require the state board of regents to set up the necessary rules for implementing these waivers. The bill stipulates that the waiver can last for up to five consecutive years, encouraging first responders to pursue higher education degrees relevant to their duty. Additionally, to qualify for the waiver, first responders or their dependents must submit documentation of employment and residence, ensuring that the benefits are directed towards those who are actively contributing to the public safety sector.
Summary
Senate File 2020 (SF2020) proposes the waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for specified first responders and their dependents while they are enrolled in institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents. The bill aims to provide financial relief for first responders, recognizing their service and the challenges they face, particularly in funding their education. First responders are defined to include law enforcement officers and paid fire professionals, with the additional stipulation that dependents such as spouses and children of these individuals are also eligible for the tuition waiver.
Contention
While the bill conceptually garners support for acknowledging the sacrifices made by first responders, potential points of contention may arise regarding the funding of these waivers. Concerns could be raised about the financial burden on the state's education budget and whether this funding will detract from resources available for other educational initiatives. Similarly, some may question the mechanics of enforcement and accountability, particularly on ensuring that the recipients fulfill the conditions under which the waivers are granted, such as maintaining residency in the state post-graduation.
A bill for an act relating to the amount of tuition and mandatory fees charged by institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents and making appropriations.
A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for peace officers and their legal dependents and making appropriations.
A bill for an act providing for a waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees and a stipend at regents institutions for Iowa residents who receive the maximum score on certain standardized tests.(Formerly HF 154.)
A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members.(See HF 175.)
A bill for an act providing for a waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees and a stipend at regents institutions for Iowa residents who receive the maximum score on certain standardized tests.(See HF 577.)
A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members. (Formerly HSB 6.)
A bill for an act requiring that regents universities and community colleges waive a percentage of the tuition and mandatory fees for children of veterans with service-connected disabilities.
A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)
A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain sanitation workers and their children.
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and fee amounts under certain circumstances (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and fee amounts under certain circumstances (EG SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)