This bill modifies the tuition benefit for dependents and spouses of disabled and deceased veterans in South Dakota. It establishes new eligibility criteria for individuals aged 15 to 25 who have been residents of the state for at least five years. These individuals can receive tuition without cost at institutions under the control of the Board of Regents or the South Dakota Board of Technical Education if their parent or spouse died or sustained a total permanent disability while serving in the South Dakota National Guard or the armed forces of the United States. The bill specifies that the parent or spouse must have served for at least one year and been a bona fide resident of South Dakota for the five years preceding their service. Eligible individuals can receive this benefit for up to four consecutive academic years.

Additionally, the bill amends existing legal definitions and procedures related to the tuition benefits. It repeals previous sections that provided similar benefits under different criteria, specifically those that applied to individuals under 25 years of age whose parents were veterans or members of the National Guard. The bill clarifies the application process for receiving these benefits and 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