Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB167

Introduced
3/23/23  
Introduced
3/23/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Report Pass
4/20/23  
Report Pass
4/20/23  
Refer
4/24/23  
Refer
4/24/23  
Engrossed
5/23/23  
Engrossed
5/23/23  
Refer
5/24/23  
Refer
5/24/23  
Report Pass
5/29/23  
Report Pass
5/29/23  
Refer
5/30/23  
Refer
5/30/23  
Report Pass
6/1/23  
Report Pass
6/1/23  
Enrolled
6/5/23  
Enrolled
6/5/23  
Chaptered
6/8/23  
Chaptered
6/8/23  
Passed
6/8/23  

Caption

Provides for a tuition waiver for certain disabled veterans (EN DECREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

This bill, once signed into law, will amend existing statutes to include a clause for tuition exemptions specifically for disabled veterans. The bill stipulates that eligible veterans must maintain full-time enrollment in educational programs and adhere to the academic standards set by their institutions. The waiver remains valid for a maximum of ten semesters or equivalent units. This initiative is expected to foster further enrollment among veterans in higher education, potentially improving their career prospects and overall economic standing.

Summary

House Bill 167 aims to provide a tuition and fee waiver for certain disabled veterans who are enrolled in approved educational programs at public postsecondary institutions. This legislation specifically targets disabled veterans who do not qualify for 100% federal educational benefits under the Veterans Affairs guidelines. The bill mandates that the waiver amount is calculated after considering the federal benefits that the veterans have received, ensuring that these individuals receive the necessary financial support to afford their educational expenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 167 appears to be positive, particularly from veteran advocacy groups and educational institutions that support enhanced access to education for veterans. The absence of opposition during the voting process, which passed unanimously in the Senate with a vote of 36-0, indicates widespread legislative support for measures that benefit disabled veterans. Legislators and community members are largely in favor of initiatives that address the educational needs of veterans as a means of gratitude for their service.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support, some concerns were raised regarding the funding for these waivers and how they might affect the budget for educational institutions. The potential impact on state revenues and the subsequent adjustments in funding for public education have been discussed, although no substantial opposition has emerged. Lawmakers have emphasized the importance of ensuring that the educational opportunities for veterans do not come at the expense of other education funding priorities or lead to financial shortfalls for postsecondary institutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB175

Provides a tuition exemption for certain former members of the armed forces (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)

LA SB115

Provides relative to educational benefits for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of certain veterans. (gov sig) (EN DECREASE SG RV See Note)

LA SB716

Creates the "Missouri Disabled Veterans' Dependents Tuition Waiver" to provide college tuition waivers for the children, stepchildren, and spouses of certain veterans

LA SB314

Provides tuition and fee exemptions at public postsecondary education institutions for Louisiana women of a certain age. (gov sig) (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)

LA SB247

Provides for in-state tuition and fee rates for veterans and qualified dependents enrolling in public postsecondary educational institutions. (1/1/16) (RE DECREASE SG RV See Note)

LA AB1745

Public postsecondary education: veterans: waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees.

LA HB3374

Relating generally to waivers from tuition and other costs and fees for certain resident veterans and their resident dependents

LA HB06459

An Act Concerning Tuition Waivers For Certain Veterans And Members Of The National Guard Enrolled At Charter Oak State College.

LA AB1606

Public postsecondary education: veterans: waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees.

LA HB671

Authorizes each public postsecondary education management board to impose additional tuition and fees for certain programs and purposes (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.