TX HB1507

Expands tuition and laboratory fee exemptions at public higher education institutions for fire science curriculum courses to include volunteer firefighters, in addition to paid firefighters employed by political subdivisions

Volunteer firefighters must meet one of two membership requirements: be a member in good standing of a volunteer fire department registered with Texas A&M Forest Service that responds to 9-1-1 calls, or have been an active member for at least one year of a volunteer department participating in the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System

Qualifying volunteer firefighters must complete at least 20 hours of annual training approved by the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas and respond to at least 25% of their department's emergencies annually

Volunteer firefighters must hold either an Accredited Advanced level certification from the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas or Phase V (Firefighter II) certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Takes effect immediately with two-thirds legislative vote or September 1, 2025; applies to tuition and fees beginning with the 2025 fall semester