HB1005
To Amend The Law Regarding Tuition Waivers For Arkansas National Guard Soldiers And Airmen To Include Programs Of Study Leading To A Postsecondary Certificate Or Credential.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1005, proposes to amend existing Arkansas law regarding tuition waivers for members of the Arkansas National Guard. Specifically, it aims to expand eligibility for these tuition benefits. The current law allows soldiers and airmen to attend state-supported institutions tuition-free under certain conditions. This amendment would include programs of study that lead to a postsecondary certificate or credential, in addition to programs leading to an undergraduate degree. The bill outlines several eligibility requirements that must be met, including residency, completion of initial active duty training, good standing within the National Guard, and acceptance into a state-supported institution. It also requires applicants to complete a FAFSA and seek federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that recipients must not have already received a bachelor's degree. The overall purpose is to broaden the scope of educational opportunities covered by the tuition waiver program for National Guard members.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard. By expanding the tuition waiver program to include programs leading to postsecondary certificates or credentials, the bill would allow more members of the National Guard to access higher education and workforce development opportunities without the direct cost of tuition. This could enable them to gain new skills, advance their careers, and improve their earning potential, while also serving their state and country. State-supported institutions of higher education might also see increased enrollment from this demographic.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill does not appear to directly negatively impact any specific groups or entities. The expansion of tuition waivers for Arkansas National Guard members is funded through state appropriations. While an increase in tuition waivers would represent a cost to the state, the bill itself does not impose direct financial burdens or restrictions on any particular sector or population group. The potential impact on state budgets would be an indirect consequence of the expanded program's utilization.