First responders; death benefits for educational expenses.

(1) As used in this section, the term “first responder” means:

(a) A law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer as defined in s. 112.19(1) who is killed as provided in s. 112.19(2) on or after July 1, 2019;

(b) A firefighter as defined in s. 112.191(1) who is killed as provided in s. 112.191(2) on or after July 1, 2019; or

(c) An emergency medical technician or a paramedic, as defined in s. 112.1911(1), who is killed as provided in s. 112.1911(2) on or after July 1, 2019.

(2)(a) The state shall waive certain educational expenses that the child or spouse of a deceased first responder incurs while obtaining a career certificate, an undergraduate education, or a postgraduate education. The amount waived by the state must be in an amount equal to the cost of tuition and matriculation and registration fees for a total of 120 credit hours. The child or the spouse may attend a state career center, a Florida College System institution, or a state university on either a full-time or part-time basis. The benefits provided to a child under this subsection must continue until the child’s 25th birthday. The benefits provided to a spouse under this subsection must commence within 5 years after the first responder’s death occurs and may continue until the 10th anniversary of that death.

(b) Upon failure of any child or spouse who receives a waiver in accordance with this subsection to comply with the ordinary and minimum requirements regarding discipline and scholarship of the institution attended, such benefits to the child or the spouse must be withdrawn and no further moneys may be expended for the child’s or spouse’s benefits so long as such failure or delinquency continues.

(c) Only a student in good standing in his or her respective institution may receive the benefits provided in this subsection.

(d) A child or spouse receiving benefits under this subsection must be enrolled according to the customary rules and requirements of the institution attended.

(e) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and procedures, and the Board of Governors shall adopt regulations and procedures, as are appropriate and necessary to implement this subsection.