This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 15-2-57, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at providing tuition-free education for all certified law-enforcement officers (LEOs) in the state. Under this new provision, certified LEOs enrolled in various educational programs—including certificates, undergraduate, master's, and medical degrees—at accredited institutions in West Virginia may receive payment for their tuition and fees during their service. The Secretary of Homeland Security will establish eligibility criteria and determine payment amounts, which will not exceed the actual costs at state-supported schools or the highest amount payable at such institutions for private schools.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions for LEOs receiving tuition payments, including limitations on the number of degrees funded and a mandatory service obligation for those pursuing medical degrees. It also allows for coordination with federally funded education programs and the PROMISE Scholarship program. The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with administering these payments and ensuring that all certified LEOs fulfill a minimum service requirement corresponding to the duration of their tuition support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2-57