Amendment #6 to H4278

Veteran In State Tuition Commission

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Hill of Ipswich, Poirier of North Attleborough, Gifford of Wareham, Frost of Auburn and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following new section:-

Section X. (a) There is hereby established a commission to make recommendations regarding the implementation of policies to consider service members stationed in the Commonwealth, or who use benefits earned through military service in the Commonwealth, as residents of Massachusetts when determining in-state or out-of-state tuition rates for accepted students.

(b) The department of veterans’ services shall convene a commission consisting of 9 members: the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, who shall serve as chairs of the commission; the chairs of the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs; 1 member of the senate, appointed by the senate minority leader; 1 member of the house of representatives, appointed by the house minority leader; the secretary of higher education, or a designee; the secretary of veterans’ services, or a designee; and 1 member appointed by the governor.

(c) The commission shall study and make recommendations to the effects of the Commonwealth implementing a program to ensure service members stationed in the Commonwealth, or who are using educational benefits earned through military service, are considered a resident of Massachusetts throughout the duration of their degree program or until they are no longer stationed in the Commonwealth.

(d) The commission shall submit its findings and recommendations, together with any recommendations for legislation, by filing the same with the house and senate clerks and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2017.