An Act To Allow All Current Members and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces To Be Eligible for In-state Tuition Rates

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation provides greater affordability to veterans for attendance at Maine's postsecondary educational institutions; and

Whereas,  veterans may need to make their decisions about which postsecondary educational institution to attend prior to the end of the 90-day period; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §10010,  as amended by PL 2013, c. 311, §2, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§ 10010.  Current members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces

If a current member of the United States Armed Forces or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who has been honorably discharged is enrolled in a program of education at any campus of the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System or the Maine Maritime Academy, that member or veteran is eligible for in-state tuition rates, regardless of the member's or veteran's state of residence.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.