Amendment ID: S2454-23-R1

Redraft Amendment 23

Access to Higher Education

Messrs. Ross and O'Connor move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION 17. The department of higher education, in coordination with the department of veterans’ services, shall conduct a study on the cost and feasibility of exempting veterans of the commonwealth from tuition, fees and associated costs of attending public colleges and universities in the commonwealth resulting from changes in federal veteran services and benefits related to higher education. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) an evaluation of the cost of exempting veterans from paying tuition, fees and associated costs at public colleges and universities in the commonwealth; (ii) current residency requirements for in-state tuition eligibility in the commonwealth and in other states; (iii) the societal impact of an exemption for veterans and their families; and (iv) the effect of such a policy on the finances of the commonwealth. The department shall submit a report on the study to the clerks of the senate and house, the chairs of the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs and the chairs of the joint committee on higher education not later than December 31, 2019.”.