Extends the duration of tuition assistance awards to five years

This bill extends the timeframe for using tuition assistance awards from the current duration to five academic years total. It directly affects students receiving state tuition assistance by allowing them to access funds for up to five years of approved education programs. The key provision amends education law to specify that awards under this program must be available for five academic years in aggregate, rather than a shorter period. The change takes effect July 1st following enactment.