Committee backs lowering eligibility age and metro classification for senior reduced‑tuition program

The West Virginia Senate Education Committee voted to report House Bill 51‑10 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.

Counsel explained the bill would change conditions of eligibility for the reduced tuition and fee program for senior citizens by permitting a participant to be classified as a metro‑area student instead of requiring West Virginia residency, and it would lower the minimum age for the program from 65 to 60. For the no‑credit option, the bill would require that any differential in tuition for qualified nonresident students not exceed 50% of the rate charged to West Virginia resident students.

No amendments were offered in committee; Vice Chair moved that the bill be reported to the full Senate and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript records the chair’s declaration that the ayes have it; no roll‑call tally was recorded.