HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2616
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. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart B of part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A- Teacher tuition waiver program; established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is established the teacher tuition waiver program. 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) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;

(2) Has been awarded a grant in response to the student's submitted Free Application for Federal Student Aid application and accepts all federal and state aid, grants, scholarships, and other funding sources that do not require repayment;

(3) Has been awarded a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant;

(4) Signs an agreement to teach at a department of education school for five years within eight years of completing the program for which the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant is awarded; provided that the board may amend the time period requirements of this section if compliance with this paragraph and any grant requirement would cause an undue burden on the tuition waiver recipient;

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

(6) 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)  The board of regents shall adopt rules to administer the teacher tuition waiver program, including penalties for failure to comply with an agreement under subsection (b)."

SECTION 2. 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 teacher tuition waiver program.

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

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

UH; Tuition Waiver; Teacher; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the teacher tuition waiver program within the University of Hawaii to provide tuition waivers to eligible students seeking to become a teacher. Appropriates funds.

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