Our Analysis:

The veteran would be enrolled in the VA educational assistance program between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2014. An individual is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code if, on or before April 1, 2011, was enrolled in a non-public institution of higher learning in a State in which--

(1) the maximum amount of tuition per credit in the 2010-2011 academic year, as determined using the table of the Department of Veterans Affairs entitled `Post-9/11 GI Bill 2010-2011 Tuition and Fee In-State Maximums', published October 27, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 66193), exceeded $700; and (2) the combined amount of tuition and fees for full-time attendance in the program of education in such academic year exceeded $17,500.

Veterans who served an accumulated 36 months of active duty since September 11, 2001 would receive 100% of maximum in-state tuition and fees. Veterans with less than 36 months active service would be eligible for a tiered payment structure showing a 10% reduction in payments for each 6 month of active duty less than the 36 months required for full coverage.

The bill, then, raises the $17,500 cap to $27,000.

The bill also would create a 24 month period beginning August 1, 2011 during which there would be a limitation on the maximum monthly stipend payable to those veterans. Currently monthly stipends are restricted to those actually attending classes but not to those studying online. The bill provides that even if studying online, if at least one course is taken in a classroom, the monthly stipend is authorized.

Summary:

8/3/2011--Public Law. (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on July 21, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 - Makes the amount payable for programs of education at nonpublic institutions of higher education pursued by individuals enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post-9/11 educational assistance program (post-9/11 program) during the period beginning on August 1, 2011, and ending on July 31, 2014, the greater of $17,500, or the established charges payable under a VA maximum payments table published on October 27, 2010 (thereby preserving for such period the higher payment rates in effect prior to enactment of the Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010). Extends through FY2012 VA authority to collect a fee from each individual obtaining an additional VA-guaranteed housing loan. Makes such loan fee: (1) 3.30% of the total amount guaranteed for loans made prior to October 1, 2011; and (2) 2.8% for FY2012 loans.

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