HB0299: Extend Tuition Waiver to Families of Disabled Military Veterans

TN Gen. Assy Bill: HB0299

Sponsor: Reedy

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Bill Summary

Tuition Waiver Extension: Extends the tuition and fee waiver at public institutions of higher education to the dependent children and spouses of veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability incurred during a qualifying period of armed conflict.
Benefit Equivalence: Provides the same waiver benefits available to the dependents of veterans who were killed, died from injuries received, or were reported as prisoners of war or missing in action during a qualifying period.
Legislative Amendment: Amends TCA Title 49 to reflect the extended benefits.

Risks & Considerations

The proposed bill extends tuition and fee waivers to a broader group of dependents of veterans, which could increase the number of students eligible for these benefits. This may lead to a higher demand for enrollment at public institutions, potentially affecting resource allocation and class sizes.
There is a risk that the increased financial burden on public institutions to cover these waivers could lead to budgetary constraints, impacting other programs and services offered by the university.
The bill could create a need for additional administrative processes to verify eligibility and manage the increased number of waiver applications, which may require additional staffing or resources.
Vanderbilt University, while a private institution, may need to consider how this change in public policy could affect its own policies regarding veterans and their families, particularly in terms of competitive positioning and community engagement.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships may need to reassess its offerings and support for veterans and their families to remain competitive and attractive to prospective students who are eligible for these public benefits.
The Office of the University Registrar might need to collaborate with public institutions to understand the impact of increased enrollments and ensure smooth transitions for students who may transfer between institutions.
Vanderbilt’s Veterans Resource Center could see an increased demand for its services as more veterans and their families seek higher education opportunities, necessitating expanded support and resources.

Financial Impact

The extension of tuition waivers could lead to a reallocation of state funds to cover the increased costs, potentially affecting the overall funding landscape for higher education in Tennessee.
Vanderbilt University may need to evaluate its financial aid strategies to ensure it remains competitive with public institutions offering these waivers, which could impact tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to collaborate with state agencies to support veterans and their families, potentially leading to new funding or partnership opportunities.

Relevance Score: 3 (The bill presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on financial strategies and program offerings.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
The Office of the Provost should consider the potential impact of the expanded quality non-degree credentials eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant. This may require adjustments in program offerings to align with state-supported credentials and attract more students.
Vanderbilt’s Institutional Research Office should prepare to support the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s reporting requirements by providing data on student academic outcomes and financial support. This will ensure compliance and potentially influence state policy decisions.
The Office of Government and Community Relations should engage with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to understand the implications of the executive director’s expanded role in the selection process for chief executive officers of public institutions. This could affect leadership dynamics and strategic planning at Vanderbilt.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English to develop partnerships with high schools and community organizations to identify and nurture spoken word talent, potentially increasing the university’s visibility and appeal to prospective students.
By aligning with the expanded non-degree credentials eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering can enhance its technical programs and attract students seeking practical, skills-based education.
The requirement for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to report on tuition discounts and waivers presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Financial Planning Office to advocate for policies that could benefit the university’s financial aid strategies and student affordability.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and reporting requirements.)

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The text does not specify any deadlines or enforcement delays.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Public Institutions of Higher Education in Tennessee: These state-run colleges and universities will be directly implementing the waiver policy by extending tuition fee waivers to the dependent children and spouses of veterans meeting the defined criteria.
Tennessee Higher Education Commission: This body, which oversees and coordinates public education initiatives, will be integral in establishing and monitoring compliance with the new waiver requirements set by the legislation.
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services: This agency will likely play a role in verifying the eligibility of veterans and their dependents, ensuring that the waiver is applied to the correct beneficiaries.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three key state agencies are impacted by this provision.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text does not explicitly designate any officials responsible for implementing the directive.

Relevance Score: 1 (The legislative amendment does not explicitly identify an agency head or official responsible for execution.)