Bill > A04510

This bill establishes a tuition award program for active members of the reserve armed forces of the United States who are legal residents of New York State. The bill defines key terms such as "active member" (a reserve forces member meeting minimum service requirements), "tuition benefit" (payment of tuition costs after deducting other educational grants), and "legal resident" (someone domiciled in New York for at least 186 days per year for three years). The program allows eligible reserve members who have completed advanced individual training to receive tuition assistance for enrollment in degree-producing programs at approved institutions. The tuition benefit is restricted to legal residents and can be used for part-time or full-time study, with the total benefit not exceeding the actual annual tuition or the State University of New York's tuition, whichever is less. Eligibility will be determined by the education services offices of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and the benefit will be discontinued upon the recipient achieving a baccalaureate degree or ceasing to be an active reserve member. A new tuition award account will be established to fund the program, and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs is required to report on the program's effectiveness annually. The bill will take effect on the first of January following its passage and will expire after five years, though recipients who have already started receiving benefits can continue until they complete their degree or leave active reserve status.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4510