State Board of Education Update:
Legislative Education Bills of Interest to VeteransApril 17, 2009
During this Legislative Session, over 80 veterans-related bills were introduced. Of these, 18 involved post-secondary education topics. Of these, only seven of the original conceptshave had a hearing and appear to still be moving forward.
- Tuition Waivers
HB 2035 expands post-secondary institution tuition waivers for children, spouses and unremarried surviving spouses of deceased or disabled veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States to include community colleges in the definition of “eligible post secondary institution and to include veterans who died or were injuredfrom the definition of a service member before September 11, 2001.” There are two proposed amendments, one of which adds the Oregon National Guardand the other which removes community colleges from the requirements of the bill. This bill is on hold pending the progress of SB 595.
Requested by: United Veterans’ Groups of Oregon
Fiscal Impact:A proposed amendment eliminates fiscal impact to community colleges. Community colleges are expected to implement the waivers even though they were removed from this bill.
SB 595 deletes sustained after September 11, 2001 requirement for tuition waiver eligibility requirements for service members. This bill has passed out of the Senate.
Requested by: Senator Hass; Representative Barker
- Veterans’ Service Officers
HB 2178(and an amendment)directs the Department of Veterans' Affairs to appoint sufficient number of veterans' service officers (VSO) to ensure that each Oregon community college and each institution in the OUS system is provided veterans services.
Requested by: Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Fiscal Impact:Community colleges could experience additional costs from providing the VSO with office space, but the cost is expected to be minimal.
- Veteran’s Preference
HB 2510 deletes 15-year limit on veteran's use of preference in public employment.
Requested by: Representatives Whisnant, Barker, Senators Devlin, Boquist, etc.
Fiscal Impact: None
- Oregon Resident Tuition and Fees
HB 2571 allows veterans with honorable discharges to pay tuition and fees at Oregon resident rates; removes residency requirements for persons receiving educational benefits for veterans; and exempts from discounted rates distance education and self-support courses.
Requested by: Representatives C Edwards, Matthews, Senators Hass, Walker, etc.
Fiscal Impact: The fiscal impact on community colleges is anticipated to be minimal.
- Veterans’ Family Leave
HB 2744and SB 805require employers to provide leave to employees who are spouses of members of military forces that are on active duty during periods of military conflict; and makes failure to grant leave or discrimination against spouse exercising right to military family leave an unlawful practice. Requires Bureau of Labor and Industries to enforce provisions of Act.
HB 2744 Requested by: Representative Esquivel
SB 805 Requested by: By Senator Bates; Senator Monnes Anderson
Fiscal Impact: Not determined
- Veterans’ Information
HB 3104 requires state agencies to add question on agency forms and publications regarding receipt of information about veterans’ benefits. There is discussion that a postcard available for veterans, widely distributed by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will fulfill the intent of the bill.
Requested by: Representative Nathanson; Representatives Barker, Boone, Clem, Holvey, Matthews, Riley
Fiscal Impact: Not determined
- Task Force on Veterans' Reintegration
SB 700 creates Task Force on Veterans' Reintegrationto develop and design veterans' reintegration programs. Sunsets task force on date of convening of next regular biennial legislative session. The Commissioner is required to appoint one representative from a community college.
Requested by: Senator Schrader; Senators Bates, Boquist, Monnes Anderson, Morse, Representatives Barker, etc.
Fiscal Impact: Not determined
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