The proposed bill SB1409 amends the eligibility criteria for the Spouses of Veterans Tuition Scholarship Fund, allowing spouses of honorably discharged veterans to receive tuition scholarships for programs at degree-granting private postsecondary educational institutions in Arizona, in addition to public universities and community colleges. The new language specifies that applicants must enroll in programs approved by the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services and comply with the satisfactory academic progress standards of their chosen institution.

Additionally, the bill introduces a cap on the scholarship amount for students attending private institutions, limiting it to the remainder of the average in-state tuition and fees charged by public universities, after accounting for any federal aid or other financial assistance. This contrasts with the current law, which provides scholarships equal to the tuition and fees charged by public universities or community colleges without such a cap for private institutions. The bill also clarifies that scholarships can only be used for tuition and mandatory fees at the specified institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1809
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-1809