DE HB160

Changes Delaware National Guard education benefits from a reimbursement system to direct payment, with the National Guard paying tuition and fees directly to postsecondary institutions on behalf of eligible service members within 60 days of receiving a member's bill

Requires state-supported postsecondary institutions to charge National Guard members in-state tuition rates regardless of their state of residence

Members must apply for and utilize all other available tuition assistance (scholarships, grants, employer benefits) before receiving National Guard education benefits, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to continue receiving benefits

Education benefits are limited to one certificate or degree program at each level (certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's) and must be used within 15 years of starting the first funded course, with extensions available for active duty service

Members must agree to serve at least 6 years in the Delaware National Guard; those who fail to fulfill this commitment or are terminated for cause must repay all previously received benefits with interest on a pro rata basis

Effective immediately upon passage, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026