Bill > S929

This bill proposes to establish debt-free public higher education in Massachusetts by amending existing state law. The legislation declares that free public higher education is a right for all residents and creates a grant program to cover tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs of attendance for eligible students. An "eligible student" is defined as a person admitted to a Massachusetts public college, university, or education program who has attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years, graduated from a Massachusetts high school, or is currently enrolled in a state institution qualifying for in-state tuition. Students who meet Federal Pell Grant income eligibility will receive additional aid to cover expenses like room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs. The grant program is designed to supplement, not replace, existing state, institutional, and federal financial aid. The Board of Higher Education will be responsible for administering the program, maintaining a student database, and providing annual eligibility notices to students and new high school graduates. The bill explicitly ensures that the program does not restrict students' choice of academic programs and will not impact their eligibility for other forms of financial aid.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S929