MO HB3439

Expands the definition of "firefighter" under the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to include volunteer firefighters, who were previously excluded from tuition award eligibility.

Volunteer firefighters must be currently carried on the rolls of a fire department for firefighting purposes and provide employer/supervisor verification to qualify.

Eligible public safety personnel with 6+ years of service can receive up to 100% tuition coverage at Missouri public colleges/universities or approved private institutions for associate or baccalaureate degrees in specified fields.

Legal dependents of public safety personnel with 10+ years of service are also eligible for tuition awards under the same program.

Awards are available for up to 5 consecutive years or 120 credit hours, whichever comes first, and are subject to appropriation from the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Fund.