Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2125

Introduced
1/25/24  
Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The scholarship program is tailored for resident members of the United States Army Reserve who have completed initial active duty training and maintain satisfactory performance. Eligible recipients must be enrolled in community colleges, state-controlled institutions, or accredited private institutions, thus directly impacting the financial landscape for these military personnel. The legislation aims to promote higher education among reserve members and encourage them to integrate educational pursuits alongside their military service commitments, which could contribute to better retention and morale within the reserve forces.

Summary

Senate File 2125 establishes the United States Army Reserve Service Scholarship Program, aimed at providing financial support for members of the U.S. Army Reserve who are enrolled as undergraduate students in Iowa's educational institutions. This bill is administered by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, which will oversee the eligibility requirements and award distribution. The scholarships can be utilized for tuition fees, adhering to the resident tuition rates determined by the state board of regents and ensuring that beneficiaries receive appropriate financial assistance to pursue their education without financial burden.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on providing aid to military members, it imposes a limitation on the number of credit hours for which scholarships can be awarded. An eligible member may receive funding for no more than 120 semester hours of undergraduate study, with an exception for those enrolled in specific degree programs meeting federal scholarship criteria. This restriction may raise debates about the adequacy of support for reservists seeking extended educational opportunities. Furthermore, the criteria for maintaining eligibility, such as the requirement to submit application forms and meet academic standards, might pose additional challenges for some members.

Companion Bills

IA HF2023

Similar To A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(See HF 2144.)

IA HF2144

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

Previously Filed As

IA HF481

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

IA HF2144

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

IA HF2023

A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(See HF 2144.)

IA SF361

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

IA HF234

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(See HF 837.)

IA HF837

A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(Formerly HF 234.)

IA HSB556

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.(See HF 2323.)

IA SSB3071

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.

IA HF2323

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.(Formerly HSB 556.)

IA HSB3

A bill for an act establishing the national guard service professional qualification scholarship program.(See HF 117.)

Similar Bills

MI HB5829

Higher education: financial aid; state competitive scholarships; eliminate. Amends secs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 5a, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 of 1964 PA 208 (MCL 390.972 et seq.) & repeals acts and rescinds rules.

CA AB288

California Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2021.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB3086

California Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2020.

NJ A2528

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

NJ A919

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.