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 exempt individuals who are children or spouses of certain disabled veterans rated with a 90% or greater service-connected disability, 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 dependent children of military personnel who were killed in action, died while in service, are missing in action, or whose death is connected to their military service.

The bill also clarifies the eligibility criteria for waivers, ensuring that recipients must apply and be admitted to the institution, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and exhaust other financial assistance options before receiving the waiver. Furthermore, it allows state institutions to charge special fees and parking fees while establishing rules for implementation and determining classroom space availability. The amendments made by this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and the governing boards are tasked with promulgating rules to facilitate these changes.

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