Tennessee tuition equality bill likely dead this session
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposal that would allow students lawfully in the United States to be eligible for in-state tuition is likely dead this session after failing in the House.
The proposal sponsored by Republican Rep. Mark White of Memphis failed 49-47 on Wednesday when it didn’t get the 50 votes needed for passage. The Senate approved the measure 21-12 last week.
Under the proposal, students considered “lawfully present” in the U.S. through a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals would qualify for in-state tuition. Such students now pay nearly three times as much for higher education – the out-of-state rate – even if they’ve lived in Tennessee for most of their lives.
Supporters of the legislation say it’s an opportunity for those students to not just further their education, but contribute to Tennessee’s economy.
