Bill No.: HB0112                  Drafter:  JHR

LSO No.:  07LSO-0343              Effective Date:  2/22/2007

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0058

Chapter No.:       91

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Walsh

Catch Title:       Tuition-survivors of specified deceased public servants.

Subject: Combines and conforms various provisions relating to free tuition and fees for surviving dependents of specified public servants.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Under current law, post-secondary education free tuition and fees benefits for surviving dependents of deceased peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and combat veterans are located in different sections of the Wyoming Statutes and provide different educational benefits.

· This act:

· Combines the educational benefits for survivors of deceased peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who died while acting within the scope of assigned duties.

· Provides that surviving dependents shall be eligible for free tuition and fees at the University of Wyoming and/or a community college if the dependent meets and maintains eligibility criteria;

· Provides that the benefits under this act shall continue for up to a total of 10 semesters, subject to exceptions;

· Provides that the University or community college where the applicant for the benefits applies shall determine eligibility of the applicant;

· Provides similar benefits for surviving dependents of combat veterans or Vietnam conflict veterans, and for Vietnam era and other combat veterans who are not receiving similar federal educational benefits, subject to applications requirements and maintenance of eligibility criteria.