This bill amends the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act in Nebraska by broadening the definition of "first responder" to include correctional officers and youth detention officers, alongside law enforcement officers and professional firefighters. It introduces new terms such as "eligible disabled person" and "qualifying child," and establishes a tuition waiver program for first responders and their qualifying children attending state universities, state colleges, or community colleges. The bill mandates that the state provide partial reimbursement for these tuition waivers and outlines the responsibilities of the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and educational institutions. Notably, it sets a future date of July 1, 2027, for the availability of tuition waivers specifically for correctional officers and youth detention officers.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect health insurance coverage for first responders who suffer serious bodily injury while on duty, ensuring that their dependents are covered for at least twelve months following their death. It requires verification from a superior officer for tuition waiver applications and allows qualifying children of deceased first responders to still receive waivers if appropriate documentation is submitted. The legislation also establishes a five-year residency requirement for waiver recipients in Nebraska and mandates timely notification of eligibility status by educational institutions. The bill replaces references to "legal dependents" with "qualifying children" and repeals certain sections of existing law to streamline the process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 44-314, 85-2601, 85-2602, 85-2603, 85-2603.01, 85-2605
Final Reading: 44-314, 85-2601, 85-2602, 85-2605, 85-2604, 85-2606, 85-2607, 85-2608
Slip Law: 44-314, 85-2601, 85-2602, 85-2605, 85-2604, 85-2606, 85-2607, 85-2608