This bill amends the Police Officer, Firefighter, Correction Employee and National Guard Member Child Beneficiary Education Act, specifically updating the definitions of "firefighter," "municipality," "police officer," and "volunteer fire company." Notably, the definition of "firefighter" now includes members of rescue squads or ambulance services outside of Pennsylvania, and the definition of "police officer" has been expanded to include those employed outside the Commonwealth. The term "municipality" has been removed from the definitions, and the definition of "volunteer fire company" has been adjusted to eliminate the requirement of being located within Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program for children of certain public safety and military personnel who are residents of Pennsylvania and have died in the line of duty. It introduces a provision that allows for benefits to be extended to those employed outside the Commonwealth, provided they were full-time residents for at least three years prior to their death. The bill also repeals a section regarding retroactivity, clarifying that the amendments will apply retroactively to January 1, 2004, but prohibits reimbursement for tuition and fees paid between that date and the effective date of the amendments.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 46 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.980, No.129
Printer's No. 0046: P.L.980, No.129