Subcommittee lays on table proposal to freeze tuition rate from freshman to senior year

Delegate McCullough presented House Bill 502, a proposal to give in‑state college students predictability by holding their tuition rate to the freshman year rate through their senior year. The patron offered a substitute that would study implementation pathways and review prior examples, including efforts at William & Mary.

Delegate Garrett asked whether the tuition freeze would apply to students who take longer than four years; the patron clarified the substitute contemplates extensions for satisfactory progress but left the precise definition to follow‑up. After discussion, Delegate Lavere Bowling moved to lay the bill on the table; the motion was seconded and HB 502 was gently laid on the table, allowing sponsors and agencies more time to refine details.