This bill amends the existing Volunteer Tuition Credit Program to expand eligibility to include volunteers and their dependent children and spouses who enroll in four-year public institutions of higher education. The current law allows active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads to receive tuition credits for county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes. The bill introduces new provisions that permit these volunteers to also access tuition credits at four-year public institutions, thereby broadening the scope of the program.

Additionally, the bill increases the maximum value of tuition credits from $2,400 to $4,000 over a four-year period, with an annual cap of $1,000 per individual. This change aims to enhance the financial support available to volunteers and their families, encouraging continued service in their communities while pursuing higher education. The bill also maintains requirements for service commitment and academic performance to ensure eligibility for the tuition credits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71-78.1, 18A:71-78.2, 18A:71-78.3