This bill modifies the tuition benefits available to dependents and spouses of disabled and deceased veterans in South Dakota. It establishes new eligibility criteria for individuals aged fifteen to twenty-five who are residents of the state for at least five years. To qualify for tuition without cost at institutions under the control of the Board of Regents or the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, the individual must have a parent or spouse who died or sustained a total permanent disability while serving in the South Dakota National Guard or the armed forces of the United States, and must have been a bona fide resident of South Dakota for the five years preceding that service. Eligible individuals can receive this benefit for up to four consecutive academic years.

Additionally, the bill repeals previous sections of law that provided similar benefits but had different eligibility requirements, specifically targeting individuals under twenty-five years of age. It clarifies the definitions of "parent" and "spouse" for the purposes of these benefits and outlines the application process for both the Board of Regents and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. The bill also ensures that individuals who were already receiving benefits under the old law can continue to do so until they complete four academic years at an eligible institution.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 13-55-7, 13-55-8, 13-55-9, 13-55-6, 13-55-10