Bill > S836

This bill aims to provide access to higher education opportunities for high school graduates in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions are as follows: - It allows any person admitted to public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts, other than non-immigrant aliens, who has attended high school in the Commonwealth for at least 3 years and graduated or attained the equivalent, to be eligible for in-state tuition rates and fees, as well as state-funded financial assistance, at the University of Massachusetts, state universities, state colleges, or community colleges. - It requires eligible individuals to provide a valid social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), and if they are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, an affidavit stating they have applied or will apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence within 120 days. It also requires them to register with the Selective Service, if applicable. - The Legislature finds that this law falls within the scope of 8 U.S.C. 1621(d), which allows states to provide state or local public benefits to certain individuals, regardless of their immigration status.