House Bill 704 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 years, be accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and offer baccalaureate degrees through an articulation agreement with a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, the definition of the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant is revised to include eligible independent postsecondary institutions as defined in the new subdivision.

The bill also modifies the eligibility requirements for students seeking these grants. It specifies that students must be admitted to an eligible program of study and complete the FAFSA each academic year to qualify for the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant. Furthermore, the calculation of the grant amount for independent students is clarified, detailing how tuition and fees will be covered based on the type of institution attended. 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