The bill proposes the repeal of section 173.2655 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts a new section under the title "Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act." This new section outlines definitions relevant to public safety personnel, including terms such as "firefighter," "police officer," "paramedic," and introduces new definitions for "jail or detention center personnel" and "juvenile officer." It also establishes eligibility criteria for public safety personnel and their legal dependents to receive tuition awards for higher education, contingent upon meeting specific requirements, including years of service and possession of relevant licenses or certifications. Additionally, the bill creates the "Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Fund," which will be used to grant tuition awards to eligible public safety personnel and their dependents. The fund will consist of appropriated moneys and donations, and any remaining funds at the end of the biennium will not revert to the general revenue fund. The bill outlines a priority system for awarding tuition grants in cases where funds are insufficient, prioritizing public safety personnel in high-crime areas and those with longer service records, followed by their dependents. The tuition awards are subject to appropriation, and if the fund is depleted, no awards will be granted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4296H.01): 173.2655