H.B. 728 Summary

• Renames the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program to the Ohio National Guard and United States Armed Forces Reserve Scholarship Program to include members of reserve components of the United States Armed Forces.

• Expands eligible applicants to include individuals who have enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended enlistment in reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to Ohio National Guard members.

• Allows eligible applicants to pursue credential-certifying programs, licensing programs, trade certification programs, and apprenticeship programs for in-demand occupations, not just traditional degree programs.

• Maintains scholarship eligibility for up to 96 credit hours (eligibility units), with payment covering 100% of tuition at state institutions or the average state university tuition at private institutions.

• Requires the adjutant general and chancellor to jointly estimate program costs for each fiscal biennium and permits reduction of scholarship amounts if appropriated funds are insufficient for all eligible applicants.