SECTION 1. Section 9 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:- Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of determining eligibility for in-state tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education, any individual admitted to such public institutions of higher education who qualifies as a veteran, as defined in clause 43 of Section 7 of chapter 4 of the 2008 edition of the Massachusetts General Laws, shall be eligible to pay in-state tuition rates and fees, immediately upon establishing residency in the Commonwealth, at the University of Massachusetts, or any state or community college or university.  No person qualified for in-state tuition rates and fees under this chapter shall be denied in-state tuition and fees as a result of the granting of eligibility under this paragraph.  An eligible individual shall provide the University of Massachusetts, or the state or community college or university, with proof of veteran status.