General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6439 seeks to provide financial relief to veterans and members of the National Guard attending public institutions of higher education in Connecticut by establishing a fee waiver for certain educational costs. The bill modifies existing statutes by repealing and substituting sections related to tuition and fees, specifically in sections 10a-26, 10a-77, 10a-99, and 10a-105. It introduces new provisions that classify fees for educational extension programs and summer school sessions as tuition for eligible veterans and National Guard members, ensuring they can benefit from tuition waivers. The legislation clarifies that "actual tuition" now includes any extension fees, thereby enhancing the financial support available to veterans.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the conditions for granting tuition waivers, particularly for veterans who have applied for federal educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. If a veteran's application is denied or withdrawn, the board of trustees is required to waive tuition payments accordingly. The bill mandates that The University of Connecticut will waive any tuition payments that exceed the calculated veteran tuition benefit, which includes the newly defined "actual tuition." These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to alleviate the financial burden on veterans and National Guard members pursuing higher education in the state.

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