Bill > S2997

This bill seeks to establish the Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program (NGFEP) as an extension of the existing National Guard Education Assistance Program. The NGFEP would allow National Guard members to split their state-sponsored 130-credit tuition and fee waiver between themselves and their dependents, who are defined as immediate family members enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The program would be administered by the Military Division, which would maintain records of the tuition and fee credits used. To be eligible, National Guard members must extend their service obligation or reenlist for an additional 6 years after completing their initial 6-year obligation, and be in good standing. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify the definition of "member of the armed forces" to include active-duty members, National Guard members, and military reserves.