Subcommittee clears technical fix on FTC scholarship account disposition

Chair Burgess announced that the committee took up SB 1318 and Senator Rodriguez explained the measure.

"Senate bill 13 18 makes a technical change to clarify that when an FTC scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds must revert but do not revert to the state," Senator Rodriguez said, describing the provision as similar to language in Senator Gates' scholarship bill.

The bill was taken up without questions or public testimony. Chair Burgess called the roll and announced that the committee reported SB 1318 favorably. The transcript records multiple senators responding "Yes" on the roll call; Vice Chair Pizzo and Senator Bradley were excused earlier in the meeting. The committee did not record any public opposition or amendments.

Because the change is technical, proponents described it as an alignment of account disposition language rather than a change to program eligibility or benefit levels. The sponsor said the revision preserves the intended handling of residual scholarship account funds while clarifying that they do not revert to state general revenue.

By the end of the item the chair stated the bill was "reported favorably," and the measure will proceed from committee for further consideration.