COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS: INCLUDE ARMED FORCES QUESTION

House Bill 5035 (Substitute H-2)                                          (Enacted as Public Act 482 of 2014)

Sponsor:  Rep. Ken Goike

Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Complete to 11-5-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5035 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5035 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 related to military service. 

Specifically, the question that would be posed is whether an applicant for admission is currently serving or has ever served as a member of the military, the National Guard, or the Military Reserves, or is the spouse or dependent of an individual who is currently serving or has ever served as a member of the military, the National Guard, or the military reserves, in order to more quickly identify potential educational assistance available to the applicant.  The bill requires the board of trustees of a community college to ensure that the question is asked.  The bill would take effect 90 days after it is enacted into law.

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.

POSITIONS:

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs testified in support of the bill. (1-29-14)

American Legion, Marine Corps League, Commanders Group supports the bill. (1-29-14)

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency testified in support of the bill. (1-29-14)

Military Order of Purple Heart supports the bill. (1-29-14)

                                                                                        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.