Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB199

Introduced
3/8/23  

Caption

Providing for the Combat-to-college Program.

Impact

The implementation of HB 199 would likely result in significant changes to the state's education laws, especially concerning the support provided to veterans. By establishing a program dedicated to supporting the transition of veterans into higher education, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes for this demographic. The potential for increased enrollment, retention, and graduation rates among veterans could have positive implications for the state's economy and community development, as well-educated veterans can contribute effectively to the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 199, known as the Combat-to-College Program, is designed to facilitate the transition of veterans into higher education. The bill proposes to create a structured framework that provides resources and assistance specifically for military personnel returning to civilian life and seeking academic opportunities. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by veterans in navigating the educational landscape after their service, including the need for tailored support systems to enhance their success in colleges and universities.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 199 appears to be positive, with broad support from various stakeholders, including educational institutions, veterans’ organizations, and lawmakers. Proponents of the bill argue that it fulfills an essential need for veterans and acknowledges their sacrifices by providing them with necessary resources for pursuing education. However, some concerns centered around funding and the adequacy of resources allocated to sufficiently support the program.

Contention

While the bill has largely garnered support, there are points of contention regarding the logistics of implementation. Critics express concerns about the sufficiency of funding, the potential bureaucratic layers involved in rolling out the program, and whether the proposed measures would effectively meet the diverse needs of all veterans. Ensuring that the program is accessible and comprehensive remains a vital aspect of the ongoing discussions, as lawmakers consider how best to serve those who have served the country.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1952

In professional and occupational licenses, further providing for definitions and providing for a policy for the award of academic credit for military training; and making editorial changes.

PA SB2444

Tuition for certain veterans to attend universities or community colleges; establish program for combat veterans.

PA HB676

Providing for Affordability of College Education Scholarship Program.

PA HB575

In professional and occupational licenses, further providing for definitions and providing for policy for the award of academic credit for military training; and making editorial changes.

PA SB951

In community colleges, further providing for definitions and for financial program and reimbursement of payments.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB1760

In intestate succession, further providing for forfeiture; in wills, further providing for modification by circumstances; in slayers, further providing for definition of terms, providing for elder abuser not to acquire property, further providing for descent, distribution, dower, curtesy, and statutory rights as survivor, for legacies, for tenancies by the entirety, for joint tenants, joint owners and joint obligees, for reversions and vested remainders, for interests dependent on survivorship or continuance of life, for contingent remainders and executory or other future interests, for powers of appointment, for proceeds of insurance, for bona fide payment by insurance company or obligor, for bona fide purchasers, for record of conviction as evidence and for preadjudication rule and providing for intent to transfer notwithstanding elder abuse; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1874

In certification of teachers, further providing for certificates qualifying persons to teach and providing for special temporary certificate for veterans.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA HB05301

An Act Concerning In-state Student Status Of Veterans, A Postsecondary Prison Education Program Office, The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program, Food Insecure Students And Child Care Centers On Or Near College Campuses.

Similar Bills

VA HB728

Surplus technological equipment; DGS to establish procedures for disposition of materials.

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.

PA HB1952

In professional and occupational licenses, further providing for definitions and providing for a policy for the award of academic credit for military training; and making editorial changes.

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 SB961

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

PA HB804

Amending the act of December 15, 1982 (P.L.1266, No.287), entitled "An act conferring limited residency status on military personnel, their dependents and civilian personnel assigned to an active duty station in Pennsylvania," further providing for residency of students.