JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Senate truly agreed and finally passed legislation relating to higher education on the final day of the Second Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly. Senate Bill 997, which establishes several new provisions relating to Missouri colleges and universities, was moved to the governor’s desk for final approval on Friday, May 13.
“This bill is the direct result of the recent Coordinating Board for Higher Education’s “Blueprint for Success” report. This legislation will mean more access for Missourians to begin and complete college.”
The comprehensive legislation would increase quality access to higher education for residents of the state, enact new student loan forgiveness programs and modify allowances for certain scholarship programs.
The bill includes programs that encourage students to complete their degrees such as the “15 to Finish Act” and the “Guided Pathways to Success Act,” which would be enacted under SB 997. This will encourage students to finish college on a more timely basis, therefore reducing dropouts and reducing student debt. Another goal of the legislation is to increase postsecondary credit options for high school and college students who are trying to make the transfer from secondary to higher education.
The Wartime Survivor’s Grant Program will be reauthorized under SB 997, allowing spouses and children of wartime veterans to seek state financial aid for college degree programs. The bill would also require the Department of Higher Education (DHE) to craft new notification guidelines for employers that offer public service loan forgiveness to employees, and would task the DHE to create an online list of public and private institutions’ academic information.
The programs and measures within the legislation have various effective start dates. For more information on Senate Bill 997, please visit the following address: https://www.senate.mo.gov/legislation/.
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