Bill > LB608

This bill expands the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act to include correctional officers, youth detention officers, eligible disabled persons, and their children in tuition waiver programs at state universities, state colleges, and community colleges. The bill broadens the definition of "first responders" to include correctional and youth detention officers, and creates a new category of "eligible disabled persons" who can no longer work as first responders due to job-related injuries. First responders and eligible disabled persons can receive tuition waivers for up to five years for associate or bachelor's degree programs, and their qualifying children can also receive tuition waivers. The bill requires recipients to reside in Nebraska for five years after using the tuition waiver and file annual tax returns to prove residency. For correctional and youth detention officers, the tuition waiver provisions will only take effect on July 1, 2027, and will initially only be available at state universities. Starting July 1, 2028, the state will reimburse state universities for 50% of the tuition waivers for these specific groups, subject to available appropriations. The bill aims to support recruitment and retention of first responders by providing educational opportunities for them and their families.

Budget and Finance

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59364