SS/SB 208 - This bill would change the calculation of reenlistment pay and scholarship requirements for National Guard members, and would modify the definition of "veteran" in Chapter 42, RSMo, to include honorably discharged National Guardsmen for the purposes of admittance to veterans' homes and burial in veterans' cemeteries.

The maximum payment for the reenlistment bonus and gratuity would be changed from set dollar amounts to amounts equivalent to a designated number of months' pay. The gratuity would be available only to members extending their initial enlistment.

Provisions regarding GPA are modified. Currently, a National Guard member must have had a GPA of 2.5 or higher in secondary school to be eligible for a scholarship. This act removes that provision and sets a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be maintained at the institution the member is attending, with probation provisions. Residency and financial need requirements for National Guard scholarships would be removed. Part-time students would be eligible for scholarships.

MARGARET J. TOALSON