This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand the tuition and fee waivers available at state institutions of higher education for certain military veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Specifically, it adds provisions to waive tuition and fees for individuals who are the spouses and dependent children of veterans rated with a 90% or greater service-connected disability by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as those who meet the eligibility requirements for individual unemployability due to service-related injuries. Additionally, the bill includes waivers for the spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed in action, died while in service, are missing in action, or whose deaths are connected to their military service.

The bill also clarifies that the waivers are contingent upon certain conditions, such as the availability of classroom space, admission to the institution, and the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It allows state institutions to charge special fees, such as laboratory and parking fees, and grants governing boards the authority to establish rules for implementing these waivers. The amendments made by this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the governing boards are tasked with promulgating rules to ensure proper implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-10-7
Committee Substitute: 18B-10-7