Proposed Bill Would Waive Tuition & Fees For Dependents Of Disabled Tennessee Veterans

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

A piece of legislation filed by Rep. Jay Reedy (R- Dist. 74- Erin) on Wednesday would waive tuition and other fees for public higher education institutions for dependent children and spouses of permanently disabled veterans.

The bill, HB0299, would require that any dependent child under 23-years of age or a spouse must be admitted, “without cost to any of the institutions of higher education owned, operated, and maintained by the state.”

Additionally, the text provides that any other fees like those for maintenance, student activities, registration, or matriculation would also be waived.

According to the bill’s language, for eligibility for this benefit the veteran must have, “sustained, while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict, a service-connected disability determined by the veteran’s administration to constitute a one hundred percent (100%) permanent total disability.”

It would require that a certificate verifying the permanent and total disability be presented and that the veteran be a citizen of the state at the time the dependent child or spouse applies for the educational assistance benefits.

There would also be a 10-year time limit for a spouse to be eligible for the assistance, starting from the date the veteran’s association declares the disability 100% and permanent. 

Should the bill pass, it will go into effect July 1, 2025, and apply to the higher education institutions beginning with their next enrollment or registration periods following that date. 

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.