Stuart’s Servicemember Education Rights Veneration Act is Now Law

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, championed legislation to guarantee student service members could return to higher education after military service or deployment. The Servicemember Education Rights Veneration Act (SERVE Act), which received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, is now law.

“Students who leave their education to serve in our military shouldn’t be penalized for their service,” said Stuart, “and this act ensures their educational pathway will continue when a student service member returns home.”

The SERVE Act creates several protections for student service members, including requiring institutions of higher education to grant accommodations and enrollment to students whose education is paused by military service. These accommodations will be unique to each student and their educational institution, and must all be documented for both the institution and student’s sake.

The SERVE Act also allows financial protections for students’ tuition, housing, textbooks, and other costs that will go unused due to military service through refund opportunities. Additionally, a student’s record and status at an educational institution will be preserved for up to five years after their service has ended, allowing students to return to their prior academic standing and progress.

“Veterans, those who risk their lives for our freedom and safety, are in dire need of support when their time in the service ends,” said Stuart. “Our veterans should be able to resume their education so they can bring their experience and perspective to the workplace.”

Senate Bill 3737 was signed into law last month and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.