S. 262 — Introduced in Senate

II 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 262 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7, 2013 Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide equity for tuition and fees for individuals entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are pursuing programs of education at institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Education Equity Act of 2013. 2. Protecting equity for tuition and fees for individuals entitled to assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program who are pursuing programs of education at institutions of higher learning (a) In general Clause (i) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (i) In the case of a program of education pursued at a public institution of higher learning, the lesser of— (I) the actual net cost for tuition and fees assessed by the institution for the program of education after the application of— (aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and fees; and (bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, State, institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance (other than loans and any funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a)) that is provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees; or (II) the greater of— (aa) the actual net cost for in-State tuition and fees assessed by the institution for the program of education after the application of— (AA) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and fees; and (BB) any scholarship, or other Federal, State, institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance (other than loans and any funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a)) that is provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees; or (bb) the amount equal to— (AA) for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2011, $17,500; or (BB) for any subsequent academic year, the amount in effect for the previous academic year under this subclause, as increased by the percentage increase equal to the most recent percentage increase determined under section 3015(h) of this title. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the payment of educational assistance for an academic year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.