NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

House Bill 6013 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruce R. Rendon

Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Complete to 11-9-16                                                                          Public Act 531 of 2016

SUMMARY:

Under the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Act, the adjutant general administers the Tuition Assistance Program, approves the application of eligible persons, and determines if there is sufficient money in the fund to cover the amount of tuition assistance available in an academic year; and determines the amount of assistance to be provided.  The amount determined by the adjutant general applies to all eligible persons.

House Bill 6013 would amend the act to say that the adjutant general could make a tuition assistance distribution to either the eligible person or the eligible education institution, and could determine when the distribution is made. 

The bill also strikes current language that says the program applies to an eligible person notwithstanding any other educational incentive or benefit received from other educational assistance programs.

Under this act, an "eligible person" is a member of the Michigan National Guard in active service who meets criteria determined by the adjutant general consistent with National Guard recruiting and retention requirements.  The tuition assistance applies to any course of study intended to culminate in vocational or technical training, a certificate, or a first associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree.

MCL 32.433

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill would have no fiscal impact on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Kent Dell

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.