Chapter 839 Oregon Laws 2009

AN ACT

HB 2571

Relating to veterans’ educational benefits; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) A state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002 or a community college shall charge an enrolled student who is not a resident of this state and who is attending classes as an undergraduate on a public university or community college campus in this state tuition and fees no greater than the resident rate plus 50 percent of the difference between the resident rate and the nonresident rate if the student served in the Armed Forces of the United States and was relieved or discharged from that service under honorable conditions.

          (2) Every state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002 and community college in this state shall participate to the fullest extent allowed in the federal educational assistance programs under the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-252) so as to reduce the overall tuition rate for students eligible for tuition rate reduction under subsection (1) of this section to the resident tuition rate.

          (3) A person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and who receives federal tuition benefits in excess of the tuition and fees the person is charged under subsection (1) of this section at a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002 or a community college where the person is enrolled shall pay tuition and fees equal to the federal tuition benefits received.

          (4) Distance education and self-support courses as identified by each state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002 and community college are exempt from the tuition reduction provisions of this section.

          (5) If a nonresident student otherwise eligible for tuition benefits under this section is receiving federal vocational rehabilitation education benefits, that student shall pay full nonresident tuition and fees charged by a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002 or a community college.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2009 Act becomes operative upon adoption of regulations by the United States Department of Defense implementing section 3317 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-252). The Chancellor of the Oregon University System shall notify the Legislative Counsel upon adoption of the regulations.

SECTION 3. This 2009 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2009 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor July 28, 2009

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 28, 2009

Effective date July 28, 2009

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