Signed by Governor Bill Haslam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill enacting the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, which provides free community college education to eligible adults.

Highlights:

• Enacts the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, which provides free community college education to eligible adults (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that to be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect Grant, adults must (Sec. 1):

• Not already have an associate or bachelor’s degree;

• Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year;

• Complete the FAFSA and be determined as an independent student;

• Be admitted to an eligible institution, enroll in a degree or certificate program, and attend at least part-time; and

• Participate in a partnering advising program.

• Specifies that to continue to be eligible for the grant, a recipient must (Sec. 1):

• Enroll in courses that lead to the completion of an eligible program of study;

• Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average at the end of each academic year;

• Maintain at least part-time enrollment;

• Complete the renewal FAFSA each academic year; and

• Participate in a college success program that’s created by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

• Specifies that if a student ceases to be eligible for the Tennessee Reconnect Grant at any time, the student will not be eligible to regain the grant unless the student has an approved medical or personal leave of absence (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text