Bill > HB1525

This bill creates the "Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act" to provide free college tuition for public safety personnel and their legal dependents who meet specific eligibility requirements. Public safety personnel with at least six years of service can receive up to 100% tuition coverage at public higher education institutions for associate or bachelor's degree programs in specific fields related to their profession, such as criminal justice, emergency management, or fire science. Legal dependents of public safety personnel with at least ten years of service are also eligible for similar tuition awards. To qualify, applicants must have valid professional licenses or certificates, meet admission requirements, not have already earned a bachelor's degree, and apply for other financial aid first. The tuition award is limited to five years or 120 credit hours, whichever comes first. Recipients must commit to residing in Missouri for five years after receiving the award, and if they fail to do so, the tuition award will be converted to a loan with interest. The program is subject to appropriation and will prioritize awards based on department location and years of service if funding is insufficient. A new "Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Fund" will be created to support these tuition awards.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1525&year=2025&code=R