Revises provisions relating to higher education. (BDR 34-653)
With its implementation, AB397 will specifically alter the eligibility criteria for fee waivers related to registration and mandatory fees. Under the new provisions, waivers will cover the full balance of these fees after all financial assistance has been applied. This means that students eligible for such waivers may have greater financial support while pursuing their educational goals, particularly benefiting unaccompanied youth and Native American students who have historically faced challenges in affording higher education.
Assembly Bill No. 397, sponsored by Assemblymember Watts and Senator Taylor, introduces significant changes to the provisions surrounding fee waivers in higher education within Nevada. The bill aims to create standardized criteria and qualifications for fee waivers granted by the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada. It revises the eligibility requirements for waivers for different groups, including homeless or unaccompanied youths and Native American students. The bill emphasizes the importance of students maintaining satisfactory academic progress, thereby moving away from the traditional grade point average requirements previously in place.
While proponents argue that this bill will enhance access to higher education for disadvantaged groups, there are concerns regarding its potential implications on institutional budgets and how the changes might affect enrollment among other student groups. Critics may voice apprehensions about the sustainability of funding given the increased financial commitments tied to granting full fee waivers as mandated by the bill, thus raising questions about fiscal responsibility and long-term viability of these educational programs.