COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS:  INCLUDE ARMED FORCES QUESTION

House Bill 5317

Sponsor:  Rep. Ken Goike

Committee:  Education

Complete to 9-11-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5317 AS INTRODUCED 1-31-12

House Bill 5317 would amend the Community College Act of 1966 (MCL 389.123a) to require a community college to include in its admission application process a question to ascertain whether an applicant is eligible for educational assistance available to those who serve in the United States armed forces.  The question that would be posed is whether an applicant for admission is a veteran, an active member of the military, a member of the National Guard or military reserves, or the spouse or dependent of a veteran, active member of the military, or member of the National Guard or military reserves.  The bill requires the board of trustees of a community college to ensure that the question is asked.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have an indeterminate, but not likely significant, fiscal impact on community colleges. Many community colleges have specialized veteran services offices, which provide advising and assistance in enrollment for the Montgomery GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E), which are both federal programs. 

To the extent that the additional required information increases usage of support programs, the caseload of these veteran services offices could increase. Such an increase would not likely have a significant impact on community colleges' operating funds.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Erik Jonasson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.