Bill > SB456

This bill amends Virginia law to grant in-state tuition rates—which are significantly lower than out-of-state rates—to students who are members or citizens of a "federally recognized tribe," defined as an American Indian tribe located within Virginia that is officially recognized by both the Commonwealth and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Specifically, the legislation ensures that any such out-of-state student enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a public college or university is automatically eligible for in-state tuition. Additionally, the bill gives the governing boards of Virginia's public institutions of higher education the discretionary authority to offer in-state tuition to these tribal members and citizens who are pursuing graduate or professional degree programs.