A bill to make dependents of members of the Armed Forces who died while serving on active duty eligible for enrollment in Department of Defense Education Activity schools on a tuition-free, space-available basis.

7/12/2024, 10:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 4721

Bill 118 s 4721, also known as the "Gold Star Dependent Education Act," aims to provide dependents of members of the Armed Forces who died while serving on active duty with the opportunity to enroll in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools tuition-free on a space-available basis.

The bill recognizes the sacrifices made by military families and seeks to support the education of their children by granting them access to high-quality DoDEA schools. These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs and supportive learning environments, making them an ideal option for military dependents.

By making these schools accessible to Gold Star families, the bill aims to ensure that the children of fallen service members receive a quality education that honors their parent's service and sacrifice. This legislation not only provides educational opportunities for these children but also acknowledges the unique challenges they face as military dependents. Overall, Bill 118 s 4721 seeks to support and honor the families of fallen service members by providing them with the opportunity to enroll in DoDEA schools tuition-free, ensuring that they receive a quality education that recognizes and respects their parent's service to our country.

Congressional Summary of S 4721

Gold Star Children Education Act of 2024

This bill provides eligibility for enrollment in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to dependents of certain deceased members of the Armed Forces.

Specifically, the bill provides eligibility to dependents of members of the Armed Forces who died while serving on active duty or active Guard and Reserve duty. Such dependents are eligible to enroll in DODEA schools regardless of (1) whether the dependent was enrolled on the date of the death of the member, or (2) the proximity of the school to the location where the dependent resided on the date of the death.

Enrollment of such dependents must be on a tuition-free and space-available basis.

Current Status of Bill S 4721

Bill S 4721 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 11, 2024. Bill S 4721 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 11, 2024. Bill S 4721's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. as of July 11, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 4721

Total Number of Sponsors

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 4721

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 4721

A bill to make dependents of members of the Armed Forces who died while serving on active duty eligible for enrollment in Department of Defense Education Activity schools on a tuition-free, space-available basis.