Higher education; creating the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act; providing for eligibility; allowing tuition waiver for certain time period. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 58 creates a tuition waiver program for Oklahoma residents pursuing degrees directly related to first responder careers. It specifically benefits peace officers, fire department members (volunteer or paid), and licensed emergency medical technicians who enroll in eligible degree programs at Oklahoma public colleges. The waiver covers resident tuition for up to five years or until degree completion, whichever occurs first, and only applies after other state or federal financial aid is exhausted. This program aims to support recruitment and retention in public safety fields by reducing education costs for current and aspiring first responders.