H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 8.22 of S.L. 2023-134 changes the private institutions at which students eligible to receive the Patriot Star Family Scholarship Program and the Patriot Star Family Recovery Scholarship Program can attend. The private institutions must be a junior college, senior college, or university that meets all of the following requirements:

• Is operated and governed by private interests not under the control of the federal government, the State, or any local government.
• Has a main permanent campus in the State.
• Does not operate for profit.
• Has a curriculum primarily directed toward awarding associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees.
• Is eligible to participate in the Children of Wartime Veterans scholarship program or is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by institutions of higher education.

This section became effective October 3, 2023, and applies to applications for scholarship awards submitted on or after that date.