HB 2890

Overview

This legislation amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to update definitions, payment limits, and eligibility criteria for the educational gratuity program. The bill modifies Section 8701 to refine the definitions of "commission," "educational institution," and "eligible disabled or deceased veteran." It also revises Sections 8702 and 8703 regarding the administration of payments and the determination of qualified applicants.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 8701 to add specific definitions for "Agency," "Approved institution of higher learning," "Certificate of eligibility," "Eligible disabled or deceased veteran," and "Program of education."
• Expands the definition of "eligible disabled or deceased veteran" to include individuals who were killed in action, died from service-connected wounds during war or peacetime hostile fire/terrorist attacks, received a 100% disability rating for service-related conditions, were awarded the Purple Heart with at least a 50% disability rating, received the Medal of Honor, were prisoners of war, or were declared missing in action.
• Amends Section 8702 to limit educational gratuity payments to not exceeding $1,500 per term or semester per qualified child, contingent upon proof of incurred bills for matriculation fees, tuition, board, room rent, books, and supplies.
• Updates Section 8703 to establish qualification requirements stating that applicants must meet subsection (a) criteria, attend an approved institution of higher learning, and demonstrate financial need for the gratuity.
• Requires the department to attach a certificate of eligibility and proof of incurred costs to requisitions prepared for payment from General Assembly appropriations.
• Specifies that the act takes effect immediately upon passage.