HB 1230 Summary

• Requires state educational institutions to establish a Combat to College Program to support veteran students in completing academic and vocational degree programs while recognizing military service experience.

• Mandates each institution provide centralized services (admissions, registration, financial aid), reasonable fitness facility accommodations for disabled veterans, academic guidance, counseling for mental health needs, and job search assistance during enrollment and for 2 years after graduation.

• Requires each institution to designate a program coordinator responsible for developing veteran support programs, training staff on veteran issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, and coordinating with state/federal veteran agencies and organizations.

• Establishes a hiring preference policy for veteran students (at least half-time enrollment status with honorable discharge or current service) for institutional employment, with reasonable exemptions for specialized or teaching positions.

• Requires institutions to award postsecondary credit toward degrees or certifications for military training when the American Council of Education recommends such credit.

• Effective July 1, 2012.