HB2580 Summary

• Expands the definition of "eligible veteran or serviceperson" for MIA/POW scholarships to include any veteran or serviceperson awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

• Renames the scholarship program from "MIA/POW Scholarship" to "MIA/POW and Purple Heart Scholarship" throughout the statute.

• Eligible dependents (spouses, natural children, legally adopted children, or step-children) receive scholarship benefits equivalent to 4 calendar years of full-time enrollment including summer terms at any state-supported Illinois institution of higher learning.

• Scholarship holders are exempt from matriculation, application, tuition, activities, graduation, and other fees (except multipurpose building fees and material supply fees).

• Benefits are administered and paid by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs with reimbursement processed through the Comptroller.