MO SB1768

Expands the definition of "firefighter" under the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to include members of fire protection districts and other firefighting organizations of political subdivisions, removing the previous exclusion of volunteer firefighters

Public safety personnel with at least 6 years of service are entitled to tuition awards covering up to 100% of resident tuition charges at Missouri higher education institutions for eligible degree programs

Legal dependents of public safety personnel with at least 10 years of service qualify for tuition awards covering up to 100% of resident tuition for associate or baccalaureate degree programs

Tuition awards are available for up to 5 consecutive years or 120 credit hours, whichever comes first, and recipients must first apply for all other federal and state financial aid

Creates the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Fund in the state treasury, with priority given to personnel and dependents in high-crime areas when funding is insufficient for all eligible applicants