Bill > SB1809

This bill, titled the "Arizona National Guard Education Enhancement Act," expands eligibility and benefits for educational reimbursement programs for members of the Arizona National Guard and related personnel. Specifically, it amends existing law to allow reimbursement for tuition and fees for qualified members of the National Guard, their spouses and legal dependents, and employees of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), covering undergraduate, graduate, certification, professional development, and vocational-technical programs. The reimbursement limit is set at $10,000 per fiscal year per applicant, which can cover tuition, mandatory fees, and up to an additional $1,000 for textbooks and materials. The bill also introduces provisions for prorated reimbursements if funds are insufficient, prioritizing active National Guard members, followed by their spouses and dependents, and then DEMA employees. Furthermore, it establishes a system for accelerated or full forgiveness of unreimbursed costs for those who remain in the National Guard for ten years after completing their education, with procedures for tracking service commitments and pro-rata forgiveness for partial completion. Finally, the bill updates reporting requirements to include data on forgiveness recipients and the impact on retention rates.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85479