HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1760

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Educational benefits.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dependent children and the surviving spouses of firefighters killed or severely injured in the line of duty face many challenges, both emotionally and economically.  One way to help these individuals is to provide college tuition assistance through the university of Hawaii system.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide the surviving children and spouses of firefighters killed or severely injured in the line of duty with a tuition waiver from the university of Hawaii system.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-     Surviving firefighter family member program; established.  (a)  Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is established the surviving firefighter family member program to be administered by the board of regents.  The program shall provide tuition waivers for qualified students enrolled at any campus of the university of Hawaii.

     (b)  A student enrolled at any campus of the university of Hawaii system shall be eligible for a tuition waiver consideration if the student:

     (1)  Is one of the following:

          (A)  The child of a firefighter killed as a direct result of an injury sustained while in the performance of the firefighter's duty;

          (B)  The spouse of a firefighter permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of an injury sustained while in the performance of the firefighter's duty; or

          (C)  Under twenty-four years of age and the child of a firefighter permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of an injury sustained while in the performance of the firefighter's duty;

     (2)  Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;

     (3)  Completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year and accepts all federal and state aid, grants, scholarships, and other funding sources that do not require repayment;

     (4)  Is enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program with six or more credits per semester; and

     (5)  Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled.

     The board of regents may require each applicant to submit documentation demonstrating satisfaction of the eligibility requirements of this subsection.

     (c)  Tuition waivers shall be awarded to the extent possible based on available funds and on a greatest need basis.

     (d)  To maintain a tuition waiver under this section, a student shall maintain satisfaction of the requirements of subsection (b) on an annual basis.

     (e)  Any tuition waiver issued pursuant to this section shall be limited to a maximum of eight semesters per student.

     (f)  Any applicant who wilfully misrepresents eligibility for the benefits provided under this section, or any person who knowingly aids or abets an applicant in misrepresenting eligibility for any benefits, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the surviving firefighter family member program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

By Request

 

 

Report Title:

State Fire Council Package; University of Hawaii; Surviving Firefighter Family Member Program; Tuition Waiver; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the surviving firefighter family member program within the University of Hawaii to provide tuition waivers to eligible spouses and children of firefighters killed or severely injured in the line of duty.  Appropriates funds.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.