Relates to certain tuition waivers for police officer students of the state university of New York and the city university of New York

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to certain tuition waivers for police officer students of the state university of New York and the city university of New York; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

This bill requires tuition waivers for up to two courses per semester/quarter for police officer students in baccalaureate or higher degree programs at SUNY and CUNY.

Summary of provisions

Paragraph h of subdivision 2 of section 355 of the education law is amended by adding a new subparagraph 1-a to read as follows:

(1-a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general, special or local law, rule or regulation, such regulations shall permit police officers, as that term is defined in section two hundred nine-q of the general municipal law, enrolled in programs leading to baccalaureate or higher degrees at state-operated institutions of the state university to attend up to two courses per semester or quarter without tuition, provided that such tuition-waived attendance does not deny course attendance at a state-operated institution by an individual who is otherwise qualified under the regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.

Subdivision 7 of section 6206 of the education law is amended by adding a new paragraph (c) to read as follows:

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general, special or local law, rule or regulations, the board of trustees shall promulgate regulations to permit police officers, as that term is defined in section two-hundred nine-q of the general municipal law, enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate or higher degrees at a senior college of the city university to attend up to two courses per semester or quarter without tuition, provided that such tuition-waived attendance does not deny course attendance at a senior college of the city university by an individual who is otherwise qualified under this section.

Justification

This measure, based on a tuition waiver program sponsored by John Jay College of Criminal Justice during the late 1970s through the 1980s, submitted in accordance with Senate Rule VI. Sec 1 provides a strong incentive for police officers to pursue higher education by authorizing tuition waivers for up to two courses per semester/quarter for police officer students in baccalaureate or higher degree programs at SUNY and CUNY.

The rationale for the highly successful John Jay tuition waiver program, also applicable-to this measure, was to provide an incentive for public safety personnel to pursue education early in their careers so that the taxpaying citizens would enjoy the greatest long-term benefit from an educated public safety service. There was also the recognition that, early in their careers, public safety officers are not well paid, and are often burdened with significant family-related financial responsibilities. When the waiver program was introduced, and police officers were provided at least on course free of charge, the number of officers enrolled at John Jay increased dramatically. Moreover, many officers enrolled in one or more additional courses at their own expense. A number of police officers graduating from John Jay when the tuition waiver program was available indicated that the program was the incentive that encouraged them to start or return to college.

Legislative history

S.2736 of 2001. S.7728/A.10735 Lentol of 2008; Passed Senate 62-0

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.