Sec. 5. (a) Subject to subsection (b), a spouse or dependent of a qualified veteran is eligible to pay a resident tuition rate for a qualified course:

(1) regardless of whether the spouse, dependent, or qualified veteran has resided in Indiana long enough after the qualified veteran's discharge or separation from the armed forces of the United States or the Indiana National Guard to establish Indiana residency under the otherwise applicable policies of the state educational institution; and

(2) regardless of whether the spouse or dependent of the qualified veteran has returned to Indiana for the primary purpose of attending the state educational institution.

(b) A spouse or dependent of a qualified veteran and the qualified veteran must provide to the state educational institution, not later than twelve (12) months after the date the spouse or dependent enrolls in the state educational institution, the following:

(1) Proof that the spouse or dependent and the qualified veteran have registered to vote in Indiana.

(2) Proof of the following:

(A) The spouse or dependent has:

(i) obtained an Indiana driver's license or a state identification card under IC 9-24; or

(ii) registered the spouse's or dependent's motor vehicle in Indiana.

(B) The qualified veteran has:

(i) obtained an Indiana driver's license or a state identification card under IC 9-24; or

(ii) registered the qualified veteran's motor vehicle in Indiana.

(3) Proof of the relationship between the spouse or dependent and the qualified veteran.

(4) Any other proof of residency as required by the commission.

If the spouse or dependent of the qualified veteran or the qualified veteran fails to comply with this subsection, the spouse or dependent of the qualified veteran is subject to the tuition policies determined by the state educational institution. The state educational institution may charge an amount that equals the difference between the nonresident tuition rate and the tuition charged for qualified courses in which the spouse or dependent of the qualified veteran enrolled during the first twelve (12) months of enrollment at the state educational institution.

As added by P.L.112-2019, SEC.18.