Substitute Bill No. 6439 seeks to amend existing laws related to tuition and fee waivers for veterans and members of the National Guard at public higher education institutions in Connecticut. The bill repeals Section 10a-26 and introduces new definitions for "full-time student" and "tuition," while specifying that tuition will be charged according to amended sections 10a-77, 10a-99, and 10a-105. It expands eligibility for tuition waivers to include veterans who served in wartime, active members of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard, and dependent children of military personnel declared missing in action or killed in the line of duty. Additionally, the bill ensures that veterans applying for federal educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act will have their tuition and extension fees waived.

The bill also mandates that a portion of tuition revenue be allocated for financial assistance to students with demonstrated financial need, while ensuring that the Connecticut State University System and The University of Connecticut are reimbursed for tuition waivers exceeding specified revenue thresholds through state appropriations. Key legal changes include the insertion of "extension fee" in various sections and the deletion of certain phrases to clarify eligibility and funding mechanisms. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance educational access for veterans and their families while maintaining financial sustainability for the university system, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
VA Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 257:
HED Joint Favorable:
FIN Joint Favorable: