Bill > SB870

This bill modifies the educational assistance programs for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their family members, making several key changes to eligibility, definitions, and grant recoupment. The bill expands the definition of an "approved program of education" to include refresher, remedial, and preparatory courses that enable individuals to pursue educational programs. It removes the requirement that members do not already possess a baccalaureate degree and introduces provisions for successive six-year educational grant commitments. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which members can retain educational benefits if discharged before completing their six-year service obligation, including discharges due to medical reasons, convenience of the department, or other compelling circumstances. Additionally, the bill adjusts the recoupment process for grant payments, allowing members who do not complete their full service obligation to repay only a proportional share of the grant. For the Military Family Education Program, similar changes are made to eligibility, benefit retention, and grant recoupment, with a focus on providing more flexibility for family members of National Guard members. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is required to issue a policy statement to implement these changes, and the bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=870