State Rep. Daisy Morales Files Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans Bill (HB 45)
Photo courtesy of Florida State Representative Daisy Morales Facebook Page
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Tuesday, Florida State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando) refiled legislation under House Bill 45, Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans for the 2022 Legislative Session.
The bill provides disabled veterans receiving certain federal educational assistance benefits are eligible to receive waiver for remaining cost of tuition & fees at certain institutions; requires institutions to submit annual report to Board of Governors & State Board of Education.
Legislation Passed the Florida House
During the 2021 session, Morales authored House Bill 1347, which the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed with 118 yeas and 0 nays. However, the Senate companion bill SB 782 died in committee at the end of session.
HB 1347 won strong bipartisan support in the House. Representative and veteran Christopher Benjamin signed on the bill as Rep. Morales’ prime sponsor, and many more representatives joined as cosponsors: Reps. Robin Bartleman, James Bush, Kevin Chambliss, Fentrice Driskell, Anna Eskamani, Dianne Hart, Christine Hunschofsky, Sam Killebrew, Lauren Melo, Anika Omphroy, Michelle Salzman, Emily Slosberg, Geraldine Thompson, Susan Valdés, Matt Willhite and Ardian Zika.
“Our veterans deserve the best this country has to offer, and I will never stop fighting on their behalf,” says Representative Morales. “My bill helps provide educational opportunities for disabled veterans.”
Regular Legislative Session will convene on January 11, 2022.