Senate Bill 719 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 eligible private, nonprofit technical schools, which must have been domiciled in Tennessee for at least 75 years, be accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and offer baccalaureate degrees through articulation agreements with regionally accredited institutions. Additionally, the definition of the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant is revised to specify that it is funded from state lottery proceeds and awarded for eligible programs at both Tennessee colleges of applied technology and qualifying independent postsecondary institutions.

The bill also updates the eligibility requirements for students seeking these grants. It specifies that students must meet certain criteria, including being admitted to an eligible program and completing the FAFSA each academic year. The amount of the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant is defined based on the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, with provisions for independent students as determined by the FAFSA. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to students seeking financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-902(11), 49-4-902, 49-4-902(46), 49-4-921, 49-4-923