This benefit currently exists, but only for students who are younger than 23 years. "Universities across the United States are seeing more and more non-traditional students," said Rep. Neese (R-Elkhart). "Anyone whose parent is killed while trying to make Indiana a better place shouldn't have the extra burden of fitting in the mold of a traditional, 18-to-22-year-old college student." The bill exempts children of a slain police officer or firefighter from tuition and regularly assessed fees at any state educational institution or technical school. The recipients must be full-time students. In the Senate, an amendment was offered which would limit the benefit to only students who were younger than 24 years old when their parents were killed. "I support this amendment," said Rep. Neese. "The purpose of the bill was to make sure that students who take a year or two off school aren't left out of this scholarship. But it left a loophole in that a 40-year-old can go back to school for free. At that age, an individual should be financially independent." The bill will be heard by the House to approve amendments. If changes are adopted, it will be sent to the governor to be signed into law. |
