The North Dakota Senate Education Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss a proposed measure aimed at providing in-state tuition for returning Peace Corps volunteers. The initiative seeks to recognize the contributions of these individuals by allowing them to qualify for resident tuition rates at state universities, rather than receiving free tuition.

During the meeting, Representative Schneider clarified that the proposal is not a grant program but rather a means for eligible Peace Corps veterans to gain residency status for tuition purposes. To qualify, individuals must have completed at least two years of service overseas. The discussion highlighted that these returning volunteers could either be North Dakota residents or individuals from other states interested in relocating to North Dakota, particularly those with skills relevant to the state's agricultural sector.

Senator Gearhart raised questions about the potential impact of the measure, inquiring whether it would apply only to returning volunteers or also to new Peace Corps members moving to the state. Schneider confirmed that the legislation is intended for those who have completed their service, regardless of where they served.

The committee also discussed the estimated number of affected individuals. According to fiscal notes, as of April 2024, there were approximately 2,600 Peace Corps volunteers in the region, with only a small number residing in North Dakota and neighboring states. This suggests that while the program may not attract a large influx of students, it could still bring skilled individuals to the state.

Senator Axman noted that other states, such as Colorado, have enacted similar measures recently, and the committee expressed interest in tracking the outcomes of those programs. The possibility of these volunteers qualifying for online programs was also raised, with Schneider indicating that they would likely be eligible for graduate-level online courses.

The meeting concluded without further questions, leaving the committee to consider the implications of the proposed legislation for North Dakota's educational landscape and its potential to attract skilled individuals to the state.