HB 1328 Summary

• Allows the State Student Assistance Commission (SSACI) to transfer funds between freedom of choice grants and higher education awards based on availability.

• Limits SSACI assistance to undergraduate courses only, for a maximum of 8 semesters, with up to 2 semesters of summer coursework permitted beginning July 1, 2013.

• Converts minority teacher, special education services, and nursing scholarship programs from upfront grants to tax credit reimbursement programs effective July 1, 2013, with annual caps of $400,000 per program and a 2.5 GPA requirement for students.

• Modifies 21st Century Scholars program eligibility beginning July 1, 2011 to restrict enrollment to 7th and 8th graders and replace free/reduced lunch criteria with free lunch income standards; provides $1,000 one-time grant for students who qualify initially but no longer meet income requirements when entering college.

• Requires private universities accepting SSACI funds to submit student information to the commission and permits certificate programs of less than one year.