STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2013) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Ron Grooms (R-Jeffersonville) to help veterans qualify for in-state college tuition passed the House of Representatives today by a 93-0 vote.

Senate Bill 177 grants in-state tuition eligibility to honorably discharged veterans who enroll in one of Indiana’s state colleges or universities. Currently, veterans serving in a different state or country can lose their in-state tuition eligibility upon returning home. Under Grooms’ bill, applicants would qualify regardless of whether they are from Indiana or have lived here long enough to meet the school’s residency requirements.

“Reducing college costs for veterans is a critical step we can take to help make sure our military members have access to secure, meaningful employment after their service,” Grooms said. “These men and women risk so much to defend our freedom. We as a state must supply them with the tools they need to build bright futures at home.”

Eligible veterans would be required to enroll in a state college or university no later than 12 months after their discharge or separation from the armed forces. They would then have to take steps to establish Indiana residency within 12 months of enrollment.

SB 177 now returns to the Senate for final legislative review.

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