MO HB1984

Repeals and replaces four existing sections (173.234, 173.236, 173.900, and 173.1150) relating to higher education benefits for veterans and military personnel with two new consolidated sections (173.901 and 173.902).

Section 173.901 exempts honorably discharged veterans and military personnel from tuition, dues, fees, and other charges at Missouri public institutions if they meet residency requirements and served during specified periods including the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, or post-September 11, 2001 operations.

Extends tuition exemptions to spouses and children of military members who were killed in action, died in service, are missing in action, became totally disabled, or died from service-connected injuries.

Section 173.902 provides tuition exemption for dependent children of active military members deployed on combat operations outside the United States, limited to 150 cumulative credit hours, with federal education benefits counted against the exemption amount.

Allows veterans to waive unused portions of their exemption and transfer remaining benefits to their children, and permits institutions to establish rules for implementation through the coordinating board for higher education.