ID H0461

Revises eligibility criteria for Armed Forces and Public Safety Officer Scholarships to include spouses and children of military members and public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled.

Expands the definition of "public safety officer" to include peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.

Defines key terms including "active duty," "inactive duty training," "military member," "United States armed forces," and "volunteering" for purposes of the scholarship program.

Clarifies that eligible individuals receive tuition and fee waivers at public Idaho institutions of higher education or career technical colleges, plus up to $500 per term for books and supplies, with benefits capped at 36 months or four nine-month periods.

Effective date is July 1, 2022, with an emergency declaration.