Wisconsin Senate Bill SB326

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/7/23
• Refer: 6/7/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Technical college fees covered by the Wisconsin GI Bill. (FE)

Impact

Should SB326 be enacted, it will have a significant impact on state laws regarding educational benefits for veterans. By mandating that technical college districts cover additional fees, the bill will create a more equitable educational landscape for veterans attending technical institutions. This will allow for more comprehensive financial support under the Wisconsin GI Bill, ultimately encouraging higher enrollment and retention rates among veteran students in technical colleges. It will also likely lead to a more standardized approach to tuition assistance across different educational institutions within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 326 aims to amend state law concerning the Wisconsin GI Bill by expanding the coverage of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents who attend technical colleges. Under current law, these individuals are entitled to fee remission for enrollment in the University of Wisconsin System but have limitations when it comes to technical colleges, particularly regarding student activity and incidental fees. The bill seeks to ensure that eligible individuals can receive full remission of these supplemental fees, thus enhancing their access to education and reducing financial barriers.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB326 may involve points of contention related to the funding mechanisms for the proposed fee remissions. Some may argue that expanding fee coverage could place financial strain on technical college districts, prompting concerns about the sustainability of funding. Additionally, stakeholders might raise discussions about whether the state's budget can accommodate these changes without diverting resources from other educational initiatives or causing potential increases in tuition for non-veteran students. There could also be debates on prioritizing educational funding for veterans compared to other student demographics.