Virginia House Bill HB2152

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Higher educational institutions, public; in-state tuition, children of active duty service members.

Impact

The legislation seeks to acknowledge and accommodate the transient nature of military families who move frequently due to service requirements. By allowing these students to qualify for in-state tuition, the bill aims to reduce financial barriers to accessing public higher education in Virginia, thereby promoting educational stability for children of service members. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility to students who are victims of human trafficking, which emphasizes Virginia's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and providing broader educational opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 2152 proposes to amend existing legislation in Virginia to grant in-state tuition eligibility to certain non-Virginia students, particularly focusing on the children of active duty service members. The bill outlines specific criteria that allow these students to receive the same tuition rates as Virginia residents, which is intended to support military families by facilitating access to higher education. This includes provisions for active duty members, veterans, and their families, aligning tuition policies with the realities faced by families in the military community.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from those advocating for military families and educational equity, it has sparked some debate regarding implications for state education funding and resources. Concerns have been raised about the potential strain on public educational institutions as they adjust to increased enrollment under these new eligibility criteria. Furthermore, there are discussions regarding whether prioritizing these groups could inadvertently disadvantage local Virginia students who may also be seeking access to in-state tuition benefits.