House Bill 519 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the eligibility criteria for the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant and the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant. A new subdivision is added to define a qualifying private, nonprofit technical school, which must have been domiciled in Tennessee for at least 75 consecutive years, be accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and offer a baccalaureate degree through an articulation agreement with a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, the definition of the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant is updated to clarify that it is funded from state lottery proceeds and awarded for eligible programs at specified institutions.

The bill also revises the eligibility requirements for students seeking these grants. It specifies that students must meet certain requirements, be admitted to an eligible program, and complete the FAFSA each academic year. The amount of the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant is defined based on tuition and mandatory fees, with provisions for independent students as determined by the FAFSA. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and will apply to students seeking financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-902(11), 49-4-902, 49-4-902(45), 49-4-921, 49-4-923