This bill amends the existing Military Dependents Scholarship program to expand eligibility to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of military members who served in Operation Freedoms Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. The amendments include the addition of these operations to the list of qualifying military engagements and allow scholarships to cover costs associated with attending career and technical education programs, in addition to undergraduate studies at higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the bill increases the eligibility period for a Military Dependents Scholarship from 15 years to 21 years for spouses or other eligible dependents of military personnel who have died, are missing in action, or are permanently disabled due to their service. This change aims to provide greater support to military families and acknowledges the passage of time since the original law was enacted, during which no scholarships have been awarded. The bill seeks to ensure that the scholarship program is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of military dependents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71B-100, 18A:71B-101, 18A:71B-102