HB 569 Summary

• Authorizes Ohio institutions of higher education to establish Ohio Hidden Hero Scholarship Programs for eligible family caregivers of veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities.

• Defines "eligible caregiver" as individuals enrolled in the federal Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (38 U.S.C. 1720G) who provide care to qualified veterans.

• Requires participating institutions to waive remaining instructional and general fees, provide textbook stipends, assist with credit transfers, and offer college credit opportunities based on caregiver experience for approved participants.

• Mandates the chancellor of higher education establish program guidelines, application procedures, and require applicants to provide a letter of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs within 90 days.

• Requires the chancellor to establish a website listing all institutions that have established the program.