(a) In this section, “eligible service member” means:
(1) An active service member; and
(2) A veteran who has received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service.
(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a public institution of higher education shall grant priority registration for courses to an eligible service member.
(c) The priority registration requirement under subsection (b) of this section:
(1) Applies only within 15 years after the eligible service member was last on active duty; and
(2) Does not apply after an eligible service member’s fourth academic year.
(d) Each public institution of higher education shall adopt policies necessary to implement this section.