Chairman Martin: substitute to HB1413 keeps needs‑based scholarship, adds accreditation requirement and work component

Chairman Martin explained a substitute to House Bill 1413 (LC 61 0470S), saying the bill removes a previously discussed reserve‑percentage change and clarifies scholarship eligibility including an accreditation requirement by the Council of Graduate Medical Examiners.

Leader Hughley questioned whether a section that requires recipients to complete a financial‑literacy course and to engage in paid or unpaid work at least part time turned the scholarship into a work‑study requirement for students described as low income. Martin replied that the provision reflects the university system and governor’s office proposal for the Dream Scholarship and that the work component would be determined by the college financial office, set by rules, and could include work with financial aid offices to support other students.

A motion to approve the substitute was made, seconded and the committee approved the substitute; the transcript shows voice approval rather than a recorded roll‑call tally.

The substitute advances to the committee’s supplemental calendar for further action.