Bill > S1907

This bill, titled the Massachusetts GI Bill, aims to establish tuition and fee waivers for members of the Massachusetts National Guard and veterans, with the Commonwealth, not the educational institutions, covering the costs. To qualify for these waivers, applicants must first apply for all available federal educational financial aid, ensuring that federal resources are utilized before state funds. The bill also mandates that the relevant board report annually on the number and cost of these waivers to specific legislative committees, including the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs and the house and senate committees on ways and means, providing transparency and oversight. The definition of "veterans" will be based on clause forty-third of Section 7 of Chapter 4 of the General Laws, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2017.