COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS: INCLUDE ARMED FORCES QUESTION

House Bill 5035

Sponsor:  Rep. Ken Goike

Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Complete to 1-24-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5035 AS INTRODUCED 10-1-13

House Bill 5035 would amend the Community College Act of 1966 (MCL 389.123a) to require a community college, beginning in the 2014-2015 academic year, to include in its admission application process a question to ascertain whether an applicant is eligible for educational assistance available related to military service. 

Specifically, 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 no significant fiscal impact on the state, local units of government, or community colleges.  Under similar language in the School Aid Act (MCL 388.1829), community colleges currently include in admission applications processes a specific question as to whether the applicant is a veteran or in the military. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ 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.