Bill > A04205

This bill, known as the Tuition Exemption for Law Enforcement (TELE) Act, directs the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) to develop a program that provides tuition and fee waivers for active-duty police officers pursuing full-time or part-time degree programs at their institutions, including community colleges. The bill defines a "police officer" as a law enforcement professional responsible for crime prevention and enforcement, excluding high-ranking supervisory positions. To qualify, officers must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, or risk being placed on probation and potentially losing the tuition exemption. In exchange for the educational benefit, officers must commit to serving in state or municipal law enforcement for specified periods: five years for associate degrees or workforce programs, ten years for undergraduate degrees, and five years for graduate degrees. If an officer leaves their agency before completing the service commitment, they must repay a proportional amount of the waived tuition. The bill includes provisions for full tuition forgiveness if an officer is injured in the line of duty or must leave due to medical necessity. SUNY and CUNY are required to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to verify eligibility, develop an application process, and establish a dedicated tuition exemption account, with costs to be reimbursed from the general fund. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4205