LLOW TUITION GRANTS

FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

House Bill 5455

Sponsor:  Rep. Jerry O. Kooiman

Committee:  Higher Education

Complete to 2-19-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5455 AS INTRODUCED 2-4-04

Public Act 313 of 1966, which deals with tuition grants for Michigan residents enrolled in independent nonprofit colleges and universities, does not allow a grant to be made to a student who is enrolled in “a program of study leading to a degree in theology, divinity, or religious education”.  House Bill 5455 would remove that prohibition, thus allowing those students to receive tuition grants.

MCL 390.994

FISCAL IMPACT:

            The bill would have no state or local fiscal impact but could potentially reduce award amounts for the State Competitive Scholarship, Tuition Grant, Part-Time Independent Student, and Michigan Education Opportunity Grant programs by increasing the number of students eligible for awards.  (The remaining programs affected by this package are not currently effective due to the absence of state funding.)  Any impact would, however, be minimal.  The Department of Treasury estimates that roughly 200 to 250 students in the state would become eligible for scholarships under the bills.  [This fiscal impact statement applies to Senate Bills 625-628 and Senate Bills 661-662, as well as House Bills 5450-5456.]

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kyle Jen

■ 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.