Relating to the waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees charged to certain specified first responders and dependents of such first responders who are enrolled in institutions of higher education under the state board of regents

This bill relates to the waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees charged to certain specified first responders and dependents of such first responders who are enrolled in institutions of higher education under the state board of regents. The bill requires state board of regents to adopt rules that waive all undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for first responders or a dependent of the first responder for not more than five consecutive years while the first responder or dependent is enrolled in an institution of higher education under the board’s control. The bill defines “dependent” to mean the spouse or dependent child of a first responder. The bill defines “first responder” to mean a law enforcement officer, a paid professional fire fighter, and a paid professional fire fighter who is trained and authorized by federal or state law to provide health care services in the course of the individual’s official duties. The bill establishes what such rules are to require, including the first responder’s filing and documentation requirements. The bill provides that such rules are to require the first responder to enroll in a program of education leading to a bachelor’s degree that is related to the job duties of the first responder. Additionally, the bill provides that such rules are to require that if the waiver of tuition is granted to the first responder or dependent, the first responder or dependent must enter into an agreement with the institution requiring the first responder or dependent to either repay the amount of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees that were waived or to remain a resident of this state for at least five years after graduation or at least five years after the date the final year of mandatory fees and tuition are waived, whichever is later. The bill also provides that such rules are to require the first responder and dependent to annually file with the institution documentation demonstrating the residence of the first responder or dependent for the required time.