6-60-213. Reduced tuition for certain police officers — Definitions.

6-60-213. Reduced tuition for certain police officers — Definitions. (a) As used in this section: (1)(A) “Covered police officer” means: (i) An employee of the Division of Arkansas State Police who: (a) Holds the rank of state trooper or a higher rank; and (b) Has been an employee of the Division of Arkansas State Police for ten (10) or more years; (ii) A highway police officer who has been an employee of the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation for ten (10) or more years; (iii) An officer of the State Capitol Police who has been an employee of the State Capitol Police for ten (10) or more years; or (iv) A wildlife officer who has been an employee of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for ten (10) or more years. (B) “Covered police officer” does not include: (i) A civilian employee; or (ii) A person who is temporarily employed as a covered police officer due to an emergency situation; (2) “Dependent” means: (A) Any natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of a covered police officer; and (B) Any individual of whom a covered police officer is the legal guardian; (3) “Public institution of higher education” means a public university, college, technical college, or community college; and (4)(A) “Tuition” means charges levied for attendance at an institution of higher education. (B) “Tuition” does not include any fees charged or used for student activities, including without limitation any student athletic fee. (b)(1) Any covered police officer or his or her dependent who is enrolled or has been accepted for enrollment in a public institution of higher education in Arkansas may have tuition reduced at a rate equal to the reduced rate of tuition provided to employees of that public institution of higher education if his or her employer elects to offer reduced tuition. (2) An employer of a covered police officer may elect to offer reduced tuition based on the amount of funds available. (3) If the employer of the covered police officer elects to offer reduced tuition, the employer shall pay to the public institution of higher education the difference between the regular tuition rate and the reduced rate of tuition provided to employees of the public institution of higher education. (c) No covered police officer or his or her dependent may utilize the reduced rate of tuition for educational purposes beyond the baccalaureate degree. (d) The employer of a covered police officer electing to offer reduced tuition for covered police officers shall develop criteria regarding the awarding of reduced tuition, including without limitation: (1) Academic requirements to continue receiving reduced tuition; (2) The length of time reduced tuition may be offered; (3) Procedures to be followed in the event the covered police officer or his or her dependent experiences a severe personal illness, a medical disability, or activation for full-time military service; and (4) Appeal procedures that a covered police officer may follow if his or her reduced tuition is discontinued by the employer.