The bill, H.B. No. 1507, amends Section 54.353(a) of the Education Code to provide tuition and laboratory fee exemptions for firefighters enrolled in fire science courses at public institutions of higher education. The new language specifies that the exemption applies to students who are either employed as firefighters by a political subdivision of the state or are active members of a registered volunteer fire department. Additionally, it outlines specific criteria that volunteer firefighters must meet to qualify for the exemption, including attending a minimum of 20 hours of annual training, providing support for at least 25% of the department's emergencies, and holding certain certifications.

The bill establishes that the amended provisions will take effect for tuition and laboratory fees charged starting with the 2025 fall semester, while fees charged for academic periods prior to that will continue to be governed by the previous law. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 54.353 (Education Code 54)
House Committee Report: Education Code 54.353 (Education Code 54)
Engrossed: Education Code 54.353 (Education Code 54)