Bill would let students with disabilities seek scholarships with fewer classes

The state higher education commission could grant a scholarship despite the full-time admission rule. This applies to Indiana applicants who meet the scholarship's other rules but cannot meet its full-time admission rule. The student must petition the commission. The college must find a lighter course load appropriate, and the commission must confirm a disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. This proposed rule would take effect July 1, 2026.

The commission could let recipients keep scholarships despite the full-time enrollment or yearly credit rules. This covers scholarship recipients who miss the full-time enrollment or yearly credit requirement. The student must petition, and their college must find a lighter course load appropriate. The commission must confirm a disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Students seeking an exception to full-time enrollment must also be in good standing. These proposed renewal rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

Scholarships could be renewed for as many terms as eight undergraduate academic years. This applies to students covered by the disability exceptions for entering the scholarship program or staying enrolled full time. The total award cannot exceed the amount available for four undergraduate academic years. The proposed renewal rule would take effect July 1, 2026. Students must use the scholarship within eight years after they first apply and qualify.