HB 3920
Increases the age limit for tuition waivers for qualified students.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
90%
Oppose
10%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases the age limit for tuition waivers for qualified students pursuing master’s degrees. It allows students who previously received a bachelor’s degree waiver to also qualify for a master’s degree waiver, regardless of the time elapsed since receiving the bachelor’s degree. The bill also requires proof of eligibility for federal assistance programs to receive a master’s degree waiver. The changes take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.
Key provisions
- Raises the age limit for tuition waivers to include students over 31.
- Allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree waiver to also receive a master’s degree waiver.
- Requires proof of eligibility for federal assistance programs (e.g., Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance) for master’s degree waivers.
- Specifies that waivers are for credit hours needed to graduate with a degree.
- Requires applicants to be a resident of Oregon for tuition purposes.
- Allows for a reduction of the tuition waiver amount based on other aid received.
- Limits the maximum number of credit hours waived for a bachelor’s degree to four years.
- Limits the maximum number of credit hours waived for a master’s degree to two years.
Who is affected
- Students pursuing master’s degrees
- Veterans and their dependents
- Eligible post-secondary institutions
- The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
- Families eligible for federal assistance programs
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3920 emphasize that the bill removes barriers and empowers children of disabled or deceased service members to access higher education and advanced career opportunities. Many testifiers highlight the importance of honoring those who served and supporting their families, citing personal experiences with military-related challenges such as PTSD and disability. The bill is seen as a crucial step in addressing unfair age limits that prevent dependents from pursuing higher education, with supporters advocating for updates to align with federal legislation and proposing specific verbiage adjustments. Additionally, several appreciation for the proposed tuition waivers, which would provide greater flexibility for students to pursue master's degrees regardless of previous degree status.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
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Source: Testimony Summaries