Relates to tuition assistance program award calculation

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to tuition assistance program award calculation

Purpose of the bill

This bill permits changes to a Tuition assistance Program (TAP applicant's income, or to the income of persons responsible for the applicant's support, occurring after the beginning of any semester, for the purposes of adjusting the applicant's award.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill would allow certain changes in the status of an applicant's income or the income of persons responsible for the applicant's support, occurring after the beginning of any semester, to be considered for the purpose of adjusting the applicant's award for that semester.

Section 2 of the bill provides for an immediate effective date.

EXISTING LAW Current law does not allow for adjustments to TAP awards during the semester.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Statement in support

There are instances in which a college student's financial circumstance may be significantly altered after commencement of the school term. Although this may impact the student's ability to fully cover his/her college expenses, the statute does not currently authorize a reconsideration of the student's TAP eligibility for that semester. This bill would create a mechanism through which a student's award may be adjusted after commencement of the school term in the event of death, divorce, separation, permanent and total physical or mental disability or activation for service in the armed forces reserve, National Guard or New York State Militia.

Budget implications

Negligible.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.