Subcommittee backs study to assess expanding line‑of‑duty tuition waivers for families

The House Education subcommittee voted to report a substitute that converts a proposed expansion of tuition and fee waivers tied to line‑of‑duty deaths into a directed study.

Delegate Fagan, sponsor of HB 56, said the substitute instructs the Department of Veterans Services, working with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and public colleges, to examine the cost and verification rules required to expand the program and submit findings by Dec. 1, 2026. "After much discussion, we are now proposing a study," Fagan said, outlining that the study will analyze whether expanding line‑of‑duty death benefits would affect the existing VMSDEP/VIMSAT program.

Caitlin Goodale Porter, a military veteran and military spouse, testified in support but warned the bill may overlook stepchildren and could inadvertently create incentives around suicide policy. "I am concerned that stepchildren are being left out, possibly in violation of Virginia state law," she said, and urged careful drafting to avoid unintended harms.

Following testimony, the subcommittee moved the substitute and re‑referred HB 56 to the Rules Committee. Sponsors said the directed study is intended to identify costs, verification standards and implementation steps before any statutory expansion.