House Supports Military Veterans with HB 168

When veterans return home from service, they often make the decision to advance their education in support of their careers and families.  Unfortunately, our public school system has residency requirements that sometimes force our returning veterans to pay out-of-state tuition rates.  Representative Charlie Davis took note of this and proposed House Bill 168.

What Does It Do?

HB 168 waives residency requirements for all separating service members who are applying to our public four year institutions.  It also waives those same requirements for our 2 year colleges so that the service member will receive the “in-district” rate rather than the higher “out-district” rate. 

Why the Need for Statewide Legislation?

It’s simple.  Our veterans, should they choose to go back to the classroom, are going to go somewhere to gain that education.  If we penalize them, they will go elsewhere.  I’d rather our Missouri soldiers come home to a Missouri institution for higher education. 

Don’t Some Schools Already Do This?

Yes, they do.  In fact, the University of Missouri system and the University of Central Missouri have been true trailblazers when it comes to this public policy.  Other institutions have already made moves to implement this policy regardless of legislative action, and I applaud all these efforts. 

What’s Next?

The House finalized its version and it now awaits Senate action.  There is a similar Senate Bill, SB 117, which was approved by their body and now awaits our consideration.  If there are any differences, we will need to resolve them, but I am encouraged that we will work expeditiously to get this one in the books.