Assembly Bill 13 would grant in-state tuition to recently discharged military members

Assemblymember Rocky Chávez (R-Oceanside) today announced Assembly Bill 13 passed off the Assembly Floor with unanimous, bipartisan support. AB 13 would allow recently discharged, released or retired members of the armed forces to pay in-state tuition at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California, even if the student is not a current California resident.

“These men and women are not given the option to move to California and establish residency prior to being discharged,” said Chávez. “It is unfair to penalize them for their residency when they have no choice in the matter.”

AB 13 would waive the residency requirement until the student obtains California residency status, typically one year. Estimates show that each veteran attending school full time using their GI Bill, would bring a minimum of $20,000 per year of federal money to California. Nationally, 20 states currently offer similar residency waivers.

“This legislation fixes a problem that has existed for a number of years. Offering in-state tuition will encourage veterans to attend our schools and contribute to our workforce. They are exactly the kind of people we need to rebuild California’s economy. Without this incentive, these men and women will likely choose schools elsewhere, taking their time, talent and skills with them.”

AB 13 has garnered wide spread support by several organizations. It also received unanimous, bi-partisan support through the Assembly and will now be heard in the Senate.

Rocky J. Chávez is a retired Marine Colonel and he represents the 76th Assembly District..