This bill amends RCW 28B.15.621 to enhance tuition waivers for children of eligible veterans and national guard members in Washington State. It establishes that children of eligible veterans who are Washington domiciliaries and aged between 17 and 26 are eligible for tuition waivers. The bill also clarifies that a child's marital status does not affect their eligibility and introduces provisions for children whose parents become totally disabled after they turn 18, allowing them eight years to utilize the waiver. Additionally, it specifies that surviving spouses or domestic partners of eligible veterans have ten years to receive benefits from the date of the veteran's death or total disability, with certain conditions regarding remarriage.

The bill also updates the maximum number of quarter credits that can be earned under the waiver from 250 and increases the stipend for textbooks and course materials from $500 per academic year. It emphasizes that the required waivers for tuition and fees do not impact the permissive waivers available for veterans who did not serve in combat zones. Furthermore, it mandates that the governing boards of state universities and colleges report biennially to the legislature on the implementation of these waivers, including data on the number of waivers granted and demographic information about recipients.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28B.15.621