Virginia House Bill HJR39

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Comprehensive community colleges, certain; JLARC to study waiver of tuition and mandatory fees.

Impact

Should the study recommend such a tuition waiver, it could have substantial implications on state law regarding funding mechanisms for community colleges. The study will evaluate potential funding sources that could compensate for the revenue losses these colleges would incur due to the waivers. The analyses will also consider the projected impact on enrollment rates and the long-term benefits for the local workforce, which could ultimately lead to a more educated populace contributing to the regional economy.

Summary

HJR39 aims to direct the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the feasibility of waiving tuition and mandatory fees for Virginia students attending Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Virginia Highlands Community College. This resolution recognizes the significant role these institutions play in providing quality postsecondary education in the southwest region of Virginia and seeks to enhance educational opportunities for students in the area. The intent is to incentivize increased enrollment by alleviating financial barriers for potential students, thereby supporting the economic development of the local communities.

Contention

While HJR39 primarily promotes access to higher education, there are aspects of contention regarding the sustainability of such a funding approach. Critics may argue that waiving tuition can strain the finances of community colleges unless there are solid funding plans in place. Additionally, there are concerns over whether such waivers are equitable across different regions in Virginia, possibly leading to disparities in educational access and resources. The potential for unintended consequences, such as reduced institutional funding impacting other local programs, leaves room for debate on the overall effectiveness of the proposed waivers.