Bill > HF118

This bill modifies the National Guard Service Scholarship Program by making several key changes to how scholarships are awarded. Under the new provisions, scholarship awards will be capped at the resident tuition rate for state board of regents institutions, but must be at least 50% of either that rate or the tuition rate at the member's institution, whichever is lower. The bill introduces a new limitation where scholarships cannot exceed the difference between the institution's tuition and any financial aid the national guard member receives under federal law (specifically 10 U.S.C. §2007). If the annual appropriation is insufficient to fund all eligible applicants, the Adjutant General will coordinate with the commission to determine scholarship distribution. Notably, the bill removes previous language that prohibited basing scholarship eligibility or awards on a member's specific unit, drill location, or whether they are in the Iowa army or air national guard. The changes aim to provide more flexible and potentially comprehensive scholarship support for National Guard members pursuing higher education, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

Education (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF118