Louisiana House Bill HB140

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Provides that a veteran having a service-connected disability shall be entitled to resident classification for tuition amount purposes at La. public colleges and universities (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 140 is expected to significantly impact veterans who may have recently relocated to Louisiana or who have been unable to establish residency due to various reasons related to their military service. By eliminating the residency requirement for tuition rates, the bill seeks to encourage more veterans to pursue higher education, thus potentially increasing enrollment numbers in Louisiana's public higher education institutions. This change may also enhance the overall workforce capabilities by providing veterans with better access to educational resources.

Summary

House Bill 140 aims to provide enhanced educational benefits for veterans who have a service-connected disability by granting them resident classification for tuition purposes at public colleges and universities in Louisiana. This classification allows eligible veterans to be charged in-state tuition rates regardless of how long they have resided in the state. The bill is designed to ease the financial burden on veterans seeking higher education by ensuring they pay a lower tuition rate typically reserved for residents of Louisiana.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 140 appears to be positive among legislators and advocacy groups focused on veteran affairs. Supporters argue that the bill represents a just acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by veterans, enabling them to access educational opportunities without the hindrance of residency requirements. Nonetheless, some concerns arise regarding the potential financial implications for local colleges and universities, particularly in terms of tuition revenue.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported, it also faces some contention regarding the appropriateness of changing the residency requirements for tuition. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the fiscal impacts on state universities, arguing that if too many students qualify for in-state rates without meeting traditional residency criteria, it could strain resources. However, proponents maintain that such measures are necessary to support veterans who have endured hardships due to their service.