Virginia 2022 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB768

Introduced
1/21/22  
Refer
1/21/22  
Report Pass
2/3/22  
Report Pass
2/10/22  
Engrossed
2/14/22  
Refer
2/18/22  
Report Pass
2/23/22  
Refer
2/23/22  
Report Pass
2/25/22  
Engrossed
3/1/22  
Engrossed
3/2/22  
Enrolled
3/7/22  
Chaptered
4/11/22  

Caption

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; tuition and fee waivers.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to simplify the accessibility of education for military families in Virginia, allowing them to benefit from higher education without the burden of tuition costs. This program is particularly significant for those affected by the outcomes of military service, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their academic goals while recognizing their unique circumstances. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is tasked with administering this program and ensuring that qualified individuals receive the necessary information about their eligibility and benefits.

Summary

SB768, titled the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, is designed to provide significant financial assistance by waiving tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions of higher education and Eastern Virginia Medical School for qualified survivors and dependents of military personnel. These dependents can include spouses and children of military service members who were killed, went missing in action, became prisoners of war, or are disabled as a result of their service. The bill aims to honor the sacrifices of military families while ensuring that financial barriers do not impede their access to higher education.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB768 appears positive, reflecting a strong appreciation for military service and a concerted effort to support military families. Legislators and stakeholders express a collective agreement on the importance of rendering support to those families who have made sacrifices. There was little to no opposition to the bill during the discussions, indicating a broad consensus on the bill's objectives.

Contention

One notable point of contention that may arise, however, relates to the requirements for qualification, including domicile and physical presence criteria. While these criteria are intended to limit the program to residents who have an established connection to Virginia, some may argue that they could inadvertently exclude certain deserving families who might have difficulty meeting these requirements. This concern underscores the importance of conveying comprehensive information about the program to ensure that all eligible survivors and dependents can take advantage of the benefits offered.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB2076

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; changes to eligibility criteria.

VA SB347

VA Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program; work group to evaluate, etc., Program.

VA SB347

VA Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program; work group to evaluate, etc., Program.

VA SB961

Va. Military Survivors & Dependents Ed. Prog.; number of qualified survivors and dependents, etc.

VA HB1694

Va. Military Survivors & Dependents Ed. Prog.; number of qualified survivors and dependents, etc.

VA HB1613

Va. Military Survivors & Dependents Ed. Program; annual report on eligibility & usage required.

VA HB1840

Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center; establishing at Old Dominion University.

VA SB1211

Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center; establishing at Old Dominion University.

VA SB6003

Va. Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, etc.; repeal of modifications, report.

VA SB6006

Va. Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, etc.; repeal of modifications, report.

Similar Bills

WV HB4406

To establish the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame

VA HB1740

Virginia state militia; officers of certain educational institutions; Randolph-Macon Academy.

WV SB126

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

WV SB291

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

WV SB587

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

VA HB354

Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund; created.

VA SB315

Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund; created.

WV HB5525

To revise and update all provisions of state code to relating to the West Virginia State Guard