Tennessee Senate Bill SB0968

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 4, relative to the Tennessee reconnect grant.

Impact

The amendments posed by SB0968 are set to impact state law by altering the eligibility for educational grants aimed at facilitating access to post-secondary education for adult learners. These changes are poised to enhance participation rates among older adults who may have previously been deterred by age-related barriers. By including independent students and setting a clear age threshold, the bill seeks to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, ultimately aiming to increase the number of adults pursuing higher education and securing better job opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 0968 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to restructure qualifications for the Tennessee Reconnect Grant. This grant is designed to assist adult learners in accessing higher educational opportunities specifically for those enrolling in programs of study. Notably, the bill raises the age criteria for applicants, stipulating that individuals must be at least twenty-three years of age by the beginning of the academic year in which they enroll in eligible programs. Additionally, it broadens the qualifications by including independent students as defined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB0968 may stem from the potential challenges that older adult learners face when re-entering the educational system. Critics may argue that despite the amendments meant to ease access to grants, other barriers such as affordability and institutional supports still exist. Furthermore, the temporary repeal date set for certain qualifications may generate discussions on the long-term sustainability of the grant's objectives, questioning how it will adapt to meet the ongoing and changing needs of adult learners in Tennessee.