Substitute Bill No. 6439 seeks to amend existing laws regarding 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 language that clarifies definitions related to full-time students and tuition, specifically including "extension fees" in the definition of tuition. It mandates that tuition and extension fees be waived for various groups, including veterans who served in wartime, active National Guard members, and dependents of certain public service personnel. The bill also stipulates that if a veteran applies for federal educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the board of trustees will waive tuition and extension fees accordingly, ensuring equitable treatment in course registration.

Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for financial assistance for students demonstrating financial need, including the exclusion of certain assets from the financial need assessment. It requires a percentage of tuition revenue to be allocated for financial assistance and introduces a reimbursement process for tuition and extension fee waivers exceeding specified revenue thresholds through annual state appropriations. The bill aims to enhance access to higher education for underserved populations while ensuring financial sustainability for the institutions involved, 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: