1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "Purple Heart recipient" means any Utah resident who is a military veteran and who has earned a Purple Heart award as a result of military service.

   2. (b)

      1. (i) "Tuition" means tuition at the rate for residents of the state.
      2. (ii) "Tuition" excludes fees.

2. (2) An institution of higher education shall waive undergraduate tuition for each Purple Heart recipient who:

   1. (a) is admitted as a full-time, part-time, or summer school student in an undergraduate program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
   2. (b) is a resident student of the state as determined under Section 53H-11-202; and
   3. (c) submits verification as provided in Subsection (4) that the student is a Purple Heart recipient.

3. (3)

   1. (a) An institution of higher education shall waive graduate tuition as provided in this Subsection (3) for each Purple Heart recipient who:

      1. (i) is admitted as a full-time, part-time, or summer school student in a graduate program of study leading to a degree;
      2. (ii) is a resident student of the state as determined under Section 53H-11-202; and
      3. (iii) submits verification as provided in Subsection (4) that the student is a Purple Heart recipient.
   2. (b) The total amount of all graduate tuition waived for a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed $15,000.

   3. (c) A Purple Heart recipient may receive a graduate tuition waiver for a period of time that does not exceed the lesser of:

      1. (i) the time it takes for the Purple Heart recipient to complete a graduate degree; or
      2. (ii) five years after the day on which the Purple Heart recipient is accepted to a graduate program.

4. (4)

   1. (a) A Purple Heart recipient seeking a tuition waiver shall request the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to provide the verification required by Subsection (2)(c).
   2. (b) The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs shall provide the verification upon obtaining evidence satisfactory to the division that the student is a Purple Heart recipient.
5. (5) The waiver in this section does not apply to fees.
6. (6) The board may request reimbursement from the Legislature for costs incurred in providing the tuition waiver under this section.

Amended by Chapter 230, 2026 General Session