Austin, TX -- Dependents of volunteer law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty are now exempt from higher education tuition and fees at public higher education institutions in Texas. House Bill 741 by Rep. Tracy King, D-Batesville, Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, was signed into law last week. These tuition and fee exemptions are effective immediately.

"This very important exemption gives financial relief and opens the doors of higher education to the children of the brave men and women who volunteer to protect our communities," Senator Zaffirini said. "I truly am grateful for Representatives King's and Guillen's leadership in authoring and sponsoring this important bill and am delighted it will now help children whose parents made the ultimate sacrifice for public service and safety."

Exemptions from tuition and fees at public higher education institutions now are available for the children of full-paid firefighters, police offices, volunteer firefighters and volunteer law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. Volunteer peace officers often receive the same training and fulfill the same duties as full-paid law enforcement officers. Their inclusion in these tuition and fee exemptions greatly is warranted.

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