The proposed bill establishes the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act, aimed at providing financial support to eligible students pursuing degrees related to careers as peace officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians in Oklahoma. The act creates the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Program, which offers a waiver of resident tuition for qualifying students who meet specific admission and enrollment criteria at Oklahoma educational institutions. Eligible students must submit an application that verifies their status and includes proof of their profession.

To maintain eligibility for the tuition waiver, students must uphold good academic standing and meet retention requirements set by their educational institution. The program allows for tuition waivers for up to five years or until degree completion, whichever comes first, and these waivers will be applied after all other state or federal financial assistance has been utilized. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are tasked with creating rules to implement the program, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following the declaration of an emergency for immediate enactment.