Lottery, Scholarships and Programs - As introduced, allows a student who was ineligible for the Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman based on their high school grade point average or composite ACT score to regain their eligibility for the HOPE scholarship as a transfer student if the student meets certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4.

HB 1518 creates a new pathway for Tennessee HOPE scholarship eligibility for transfer students. It allows students who were initially ineligible as freshmen (due to high school GPA or ACT scores) to qualify if they earn an associate degree through the Tennessee Promise program, maintain scholarship eligibility throughout their associate studies, and achieve a 3.0 GPA at their community college. The policy applies to students transferring to four-year institutions within six months of completing their associate degree. This change takes effect for the 2026-2027 academic year.