Connecticut 2021 Regular Session Status: In Committee 2 D cosponsors

HB 5544 — AN ACT CONCERNING FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS ATTENDING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

Last action — REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2021 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

139 added · 59 removed

139 line(s) added, 59 removed.

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General Assembly Committee Bill No.
House of Representatives General Assembly File No.
5544 January Session, 2021 LCO No.
296 January Session, 2021 House Bill No.
3785 Referred to Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT Introduced by:
5544 House of Representatives, April 7, 2021 The Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement reported through REP.
(HED) AN ACT CONCERNING FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS ATTENDING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
ELLIOTT of the 88th Dist., Chairperson of the Committee on the part of the House, that the bill ought to pass.
AN ACT CONCERNING FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS ATTENDING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Appropriations from general revenues of the state and, upon request by the board and with an annual review and approval by the LCO 3785 \\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05544-R01 of 17 HB.docx Committee Bill No.
Appropriations from general revenues of the state and, upon HB5544 / File No.
5544 Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the amount of the appropriations for fringe benefits and workers' compensation applicable to the community-technical colleges pursuant to subsection (a) of section 4-73, shall be transferred from the Comptroller, and all tuition revenue received by the regional community-technical colleges in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited in said fund.
296 1 HB5544 File No.
296 request by the board and with an annual review and approval by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the amount of the appropriations for fringe benefits and workers' compensation applicable to the community-technical colleges pursuant to subsection (a) of section 4-73, shall be transferred from the Comptroller, and all tuition revenue received by the regional community-technical colleges in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited in said fund.
Any balance of receipts above expenditures shall remain in said fund, except such sums as may be required for deposit into a debt service fund or the General LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05542 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
Any balance of receipts above expenditures shall remain in said fund, except such sums HB5544 / File No.
5544 Fund for further payment by the Treasurer of debt service on general obligation bonds of the state issued for purposes of community- technical colleges.
296 2 HB5544 File No.
296 as may be required for deposit into a debt service fund or the General Fund for further payment by the Treasurer of debt service on general obligation bonds of the state issued for purposes of community- technical colleges.
(d) Said board [of trustees] shall (1) waive the payment of tuition at any of the regional community-technical colleges [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armedforces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to such institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state atthetimesuchveteranor personisacceptedforadmissionto such institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older, provided, at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll and there is space LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05543 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
(d) Said board [of trustees] shall (1) waive the payment of tuition at any of the regional community-technical colleges [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armedforces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to such institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state atthetimesuchveteranor personisacceptedforadmissionto such institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older, provided, at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll and there is space HB5544 / File No.
5544 available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any student attending the Connecticut State Police Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement program at said academy offered in coordination with a regional community-technical college which accredits courses taken in such program, [(5)] (D) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard who [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to such institution on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate degree-granting program, [(6)] (E) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, [(B)] (ii) firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, [(7)] (F) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of this state, [(8)] (G) for any dependent child of a resident of the state who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(9)] (H) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at any of the regional community-technical colleges, subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconductordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution.
296 3 HB5544 File No.
If any person who LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05544 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
296 available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any student attending the Connecticut State Police Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement program at said academy offered in coordination with a regional community-technical college which accredits courses taken in such program, [(5)] (D) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard who [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to such institution on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate degree-granting program, [(6)] (E) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, [(B)] (ii) firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, [(7)] (F) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of this state, [(8)] (G) for any dependent child of a resident of the state who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(9)] (H) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at any of the regional community-technical colleges, subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconductordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution.
5544 receives a tuition or student fee waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subsection also receives educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver shall be reduced by the amount of such educational reimbursement.
If any person who HB5544 / File No.
296 4 HB5544 File No.
296 receives a tuition or student fee waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subsection also receives educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver shall be reduced by the amount of such educational reimbursement.
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HB5544 / File No.
5544 (B) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition in excess of the veteran tuition benefit at any of the regional community-technical colleges for such veteran.] (f)Saidboardshallsetasidefromitsanticipatedregionalcommunity- technical college tuition revenue, an amount not less than that required by said board's tuition policy.
296 5 HB5544 File No.
296 (B) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition in excess of the veteran tuition benefit at any of the regional community-technical colleges for such veteran.] (f)Saidboardshallsetasidefromitsanticipatedregionalcommunity- technical college tuition revenue, an amount not less than that required by said board's tuition policy.
Such course reenrollment LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05546 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
Such course reenrollment HB5544 / File No.
5544 shallbeofferedtoanyqualifyingstudentfor aperiodnotexceedingfour years after the date of release from active duty without additional tuition, student fee or related charge, except if such student has been fully reimbursed for the tuition, fees and charges for the course that was not completed.
296 6 HB5544 File No.
296 shallbeofferedtoanyqualifyingstudentfor aperiodnotexceedingfour years after the date of release from active duty without additional tuition, student fee or related charge, except if such student has been fully reimbursed for the tuition, fees and charges for the course that was not completed.
LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-055447 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
HB5544 / File No.
5544 If the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management disapproves such transfer, [he] the secretary may require the amount of the appropriation for operating expenses to be used for personal services and fringe benefits to be excluded from said fund.
296 7 HB5544 File No.
296 If the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management disapproves such transfer, [he] the secretary may require the amount of the appropriation for operating expenses to be used for personal services and fringe benefits to be excluded from said fund.
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(d) Said board shall (1) waive the payment of tuition fees at the HB5544 / File No.
5544 (d) Said board shall (1) waive the payment of tuition fees at the Connecticut State University System [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to such institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconduct ordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been accepted for admission to such institution, provided [(A)] (i) such resident is enrolled in a degree-granting program, or [(B)] (ii) at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll and there is space available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any student attending the Connecticut Police Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement program at said academy offered in coordination with the university which accredits courses taken in such program, [(5)] (D) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guardwho [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to such institution on a full- time or part-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate degree- granting program, [(6)] (E) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05549 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
296 8 HB5544 File No.
5544 police officer, [(B)](ii)firefighter,asdefinedinsection7-323j,or member of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee,asdefinedinsection5-154,killedinthelineofduty,[(7)] (F) for any resident of this state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of the state, [(8)] (G) for any dependent childofa resident ofthestate who waskilled in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(9)] (H) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at the Connecticut State University System, subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconductordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution.
296 Connecticut State University System [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to such institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconduct ordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been accepted for admission to such institution, provided [(A)] (i) such resident is enrolled in a degree-granting program, or [(B)] (ii) at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll and there is space available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any student attending the Connecticut Police Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement program at said academy offered in coordination with the university which accredits courses taken in such program, [(5)] (D) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guardwho [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to such institution on a full- time or part-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate degree- granting program, [(6)] (E) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, [(B)](ii)firefighter,asdefinedinsection7-323j,or member HB5544 / File No.
296 9 HB5544 File No.
296 of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee,asdefinedinsection5-154,killedinthelineofduty,[(7)] (F) for any resident of this state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of the state, [(8)] (G) for any dependent childofa resident ofthestate who waskilled in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(9)] (H) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at the Connecticut State University System, subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has receivedadischargeotherthanbadconductordishonorablefromactive service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to such institution.
LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05510 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
(e) [(1)] If any veteran described in subsection (d) of this section has applied for federal educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Veterans HB5544 / File No.
5544 (e) [(1)] If any veteran described in subsection (d) of this section has applied for federal educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the [board of trustees] Board of Regents for Higher Education shall waive the payment of tuition and student fees at the Connecticut State University System for such veteran [in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection] for any amount in excess of the federal educational assistance received by such veteran.
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296 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the [board of trustees] Board of Regents for Higher Education shall waive the payment of tuition and student fees at the Connecticut State University System for such veteran [in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection] for any amount in excess of the federal educational assistance received by such veteran.
Such funds shall be used to provide tuition waivers, tuition remissions, grants for educational expenses and student employmentforanyundergraduateorgraduatestudentwhoisenrolled as a full or part-time matriculated student in a degree-granting program, or enrolled in a precollege remedial program, and who LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05511 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
Such funds shall be used to provide tuition waivers, tuition remissions, grants for educational expenses and student employmentforanyundergraduateorgraduatestudentwhoisenrolled as a full or part-time matriculated student in a degree-granting program, or enrolled in a precollege remedial program, and who demonstrates substantial financial need.
5544 demonstrates substantial financial need.
Said board may also set aside from its anticipated tuition revenue an additional amount equal to one HB5544 / File No.
Said board may also set aside from its anticipated tuition revenue an additional amount equal to one per cent of said tuition revenue for financial assistance for students who would not otherwise be eligible for financial assistance but who do have a financial need as determined by the university in accordance with this subsection.
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296 per cent of said tuition revenue for financial assistance for students who would not otherwise be eligible for financial assistance but who do have a financial need as determined by the university in accordance with this subsection.
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(d) [Commencing December 1, 1981, and thereafter not] Not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the board of trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having HB5544 / File No.
5544 (d) [Commencing December 1, 1981, and thereafter not] Not later than sixty days after the close of each quarter, the board of trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizanceofmattersrelatingtoappropriationsandthebudgetsofstate agencies, the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of The University of Connecticut Operating Fund and The University of Connecticut Health Center Operating Fund containing such relevant information as the Office of Policy and Management may require.
296 12 HB5544 File No.
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[in the form prescribed by the board of regents in accordance with subsection (a) of section 10a- 8.] (e) Said board of trustees shall (1) waive the payment of tuition fees at The University of Connecticut [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner ofwar while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to The University of Connecticut and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to said institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27- 103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to said institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to said institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been accepted for admission to said institution, provided [(A)] (i) such resident is enrolled in a degree-granting program, or [(B)] (ii) at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0554413 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
296 cognizanceofmattersrelatingtoappropriationsandthebudgetsofstate agencies, the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Policy and Management a report on the actual expenditures of The University of Connecticut Operating Fund and The University of Connecticut Health Center Operating Fund containing such relevant information as the Office of Policy and Management may require.
5544 resident intends to enroll and there is space available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard who [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to said institution on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program, [(5)] (D) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, [(B)] (ii) firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, [(6)] (E) for any resident of the state who is the dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of the state, [(7)] (F) for any dependent child of a resident of the state who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(8)] (G) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at The University of Connecticut, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to said institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to said institution.
[in the form prescribed by the board of regents in accordance with subsection (a) of section 10a- 8.] (e) Said board of trustees shall (1) waive the payment of tuition fees at The University of Connecticut [(1)] (A) for any dependent child of a person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be missing in action or to have been a prisoner ofwar while serving in such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission to The University of Connecticut and is a resident of the state at the time such child is accepted for admission to said institution, [(2) subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27- 103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to said institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to said institution, (3)] (B) for any resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been accepted for admission to said institution, provided [(A)] (i) such resident is enrolled in a degree-granting program, or [(B)] (ii) at the end of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll and there is space available in such course after accommodating all such students, [(4)] (C) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard who [(A)] (i) has been certified by the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee HB5544 / File No.
If any person who receives a tuition or student fee waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subsection also receives educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver shall be reduced by the amount of such educational LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0554414 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
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5544 reimbursement.
296 as a member in good standing of the guard, and [(B)] (ii) is enrolled or accepted for admission to said institution on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program, [(5)] (D) for any dependent child of a [(A)] (i) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, [(B)] (ii) firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire company, [(C)] (iii) municipal employee, or [(D)] (iv) state employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, [(6)] (E) for any resident of the state who is the dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of the state, [(7)] (F) for any dependent child of a resident of the state who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and [(8)] (G) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state, and (2) waive the payment of tuition and student fees at The University of Connecticut, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, for any (A) veteran who performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in time of war, except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service academy, which veteran or person has been accepted for admission to said institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran or person is accepted for admission to said institution.
Veterans and persons described in subdivision (2) of this subsection and members of the National Guard described in [subdivision (4)] subparagraph (C) of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be given the same status as students not receiving tuition waivers in registering for courses at The University of Connecticut.
If any person who receives a tuition or student fee waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subsection also receives educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver shall be reduced by the amount of such educational reimbursement.
Veterans and persons described in subdivision (2) of this subsection and members of the National Guard described in [subdivision (4)] subparagraph (C) of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be given the same status as students not receiving tuition waivers HB5544 / File No.
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296 in registering for courses at The University of Connecticut.
(B) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition in excess of the veteran tuition benefit at The University of Connecticut for such veteran.] (g) Said board of trustees shall set aside from its anticipated tuition LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05515 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
(B) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition in excess of the veteran tuition benefit at The University of Connecticut for such veteran.] (g) Said board of trustees shall set aside from its anticipated tuition revenue, an amount not less than that required by the board of governors' tuitionpolicy establishedunder subdivision(3)ofsubsection (a) of section 10a-6.
5544 revenue, an amount not less than that required by the board of governors' tuitionpolicy establishedunder subdivision(3)ofsubsection (a) of section 10a-6.
Such funds shall be used to provide tuition waivers, tuition remissions, grants for educational expenses and student employment for any undergraduate, graduate or professional student HB5544 / File No.
Such funds shall be used to provide tuition waivers, tuition remissions, grants for educational expenses and student employment for any undergraduate, graduate or professional student who is enrolled as a full or part-time matriculated student in a degree- granting program, or enrolled in a precollege remedial program, and who demonstrates substantial financial need.
296 15 HB5544 File No.
296 who is enrolled as a full or part-time matriculated student in a degree- granting program, or enrolled in a precollege remedial program, and who demonstrates substantial financial need.
(2) In connection with providing the assistance described in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section, each liaison designated pursuant to this subsection shall also assist a veteran served by the program to obtain funding for the cost of attending a qualifying LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05516 of 17 R02-HB.docx } Committee Bill No.
(2) In connection with providing the assistance described in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section, each liaison designated pursuant to this subsection shall also assist a veteran served by the program to obtain funding for the cost of attending a qualifying advanced manufacturing certificate program.
5544 advanced manufacturing certificate program.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
HB5544 / File No.
Section 1 July 1, 2021 10a-77 July 1, 2021 Sec.
296 16 HB5544 File No.
2 10a-99 Sec.
296 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Section 1 July 1, 2021 10a-77 Sec.
2 July 1, 2021 10a-99 Sec.
4 July 1, 2021 31-11ss(c)(2) HED Joint Favorable LCO 3785 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-05544- 17 of 17 R02-HB.docx }
4 July 1, 2021 31-11ss(c)(2) HED Joint Favorable HB5544 / File No.
296 17 HB5544 File No.
296 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 22 $ FY 23 $ Board of Regents for Higher Tuition Fund - 1.7 million 1.7 million Education Revenue Loss to 2 million to 2 million UConn Tuition Fund - 800,000 to 1 800,000 to 1 Revenue Loss million million Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill, which waives certain constituent unit fees for veterans, results in an annual revenue loss to the constituent units, beginning in FY 22, estimated at $2.5 million to $3 million.
Of the total annual revenue loss, approximately $1.7 million to $2 million will be experienced by the Board of Regents, while the University of Connecticut will have an estimated revenue loss of $800,000 to $1 million.
The revenue loss estimates are based on annual veteran fee revenue data provided by the constituent units for FY 19 through FY 21.
As the bill waives these fees for veterans, this revenue will be lost.
At the four Connecticut State Universities, annually 385 to 471 veterans paid an estimated $1.5 million to $1.6 million in mandatory, programmatic, optional, and extension fees.
At the 12 community colleges, annually to 1,080 veterans paid an estimated $290,000 to $320,000 in these fees.
Finally, at UConn, annually 224 to 242 veterans paid an estimated $870,000 to $920,000.
The estimate considers enrollment volatility at the Board of Regents institutions.
HB5544 / File No.
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296 The estimate assumes that all fees except room and board are waived by the bill.
If the bill is interpreted to include room and board fees, then the revenue loss will increase substantially.
For example, FY 21 data from the University of Connecticut indicates that the room and board revenue loss could reach approximately $1.1 million if all eligible veterans choose to take advantage of the waiver.
The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to changes in fee levels and the number of enrolled veterans who are eligible for the fee waiver.
HB5544 / File No.
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296 OLR Bill Analysis HB 5544 AN ACT CONCERNING FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS ATTENDING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
SUMMARY This bill expands the state’s public higher education tuition waiver program for eligible veterans to include a student fee waiver.
It requires the regional community-technical colleges, the Connecticut State Universities (CSUs), and UConn to waive any student fee amount in excess of the federal educational assistance received by the veteran, similar to the eligible veteran tuition waiver in current law.
(The bill does not specify what constitutes “student fees”;
presumably, these are fees such as student activity fees.) Additionally, the bill adds student fee waivers to the state reimbursement calculation for community colleges, CSUs, and UConn.
Under current law, these institutions receive an annual state reimbursement appropriation for the amount that eligible veteran tuition waivers exceed (1) 5% of tuition revenue for the community colleges and (2) 2.5% of tuition revenue for the CSUs and UConn.
The bill extends the state reimbursement amount to include student waivers and tuition waivers, when the amount of these waivers exceeds the above specified percentages of tuition and student fee revenue for the respective institutions.
The bill also makes technical and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2021 BACKGROUND Tuition Waivers for Veterans By law, the state’s public colleges and universities must waive tuition HB5544 / File No.
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296 in excess of federal veterans’ benefit via the post-9/11 GI bill for eligible veterans who are accepted at an approved institution and live in the state at the time of the acceptance.
The tuition waiver applies at the regional community-technical colleges, CSUS, and UConn and covers the cost of tuition for credit-bearing undergraduate and graduate programs.
The law defines “tuition” as a direct charge for institutional programs, which is clearly delineated from other fees (CGS § 10a- 26(a)(2)).
It does not apply to other charges or fees, such as student activity fees and room and board (CGS §§ 10a-77(e), 10a-99(e) & 10a- 105(f)).
This benefit applies to (1) wartime veterans and (2) veterans dischargedunderconditionsotherthandishonorableorforbadconduct and have a “qualifying condition” (i.e., a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, or who have disclosed a military sexual trauma experience) (CGS § 27-103).
COMMITTEE ACTION Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee Joint Favorable Yea 22 Nay 0 (03/22/2021) HB5544 / File No.
296 21
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Action History

  1. REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding

  2. FILE NO. 296

  3. HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 228

  4. FAV. RPT., TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

  5. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  6. REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/06/21

  7. FILED WITH LCO

  8. Joint Favorable

  9. PUBLIC HEARING 0304

  10. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Higher Education and Employment Advancement

  11. DRAFTED BY COMMITTEE

  12. Vote to Draft

  13. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Higher Education and Employment Advancement

Sponsors

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3 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 184 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (184)

184 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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veterans education
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 5544?
HB 5544 is sponsored by Michael DiGiovancarlo (Democratic), Ryan, Kevin, and Ronald A. Napoli (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 5544?
This bill died with 2021 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 5544?
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