The Kansas First Responder Scholarship Act establishes a scholarship program aimed at providing tuition assistance to first responders and their dependents. The program, administered by the state board of regents, allows eligible first responders—defined as emergency medical service providers, firefighters, public safety telecommunicators, and law enforcement officers residing in Kansas—to receive tuition-free enrollment at Kansas postsecondary educational institutions. To qualify, first responders must have at least six years of service, while their dependents must have a first responder with at least 12 years of service. The scholarship covers up to 10 semesters of undergraduate instruction and requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with professional licensing and training, meet admission requirements, and apply for other financial aid before seeking the scholarship.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the state board in managing the program, including the reimbursement process for postsecondary institutions that enroll eligible first responders and their dependents without charging tuition. Institutions can file claims for reimbursement, which will be funded through appropriations requested by the state board. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a recipient discontinues attendance before the semester ends, the institution must refund the state the amount paid on behalf of the student. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.