Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
ph: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Honors Alaska's Fallen Heroes

House Passes Kelly Measure Providing Tuition for Peace Officers' Families

For Immediate Release: February 6, 1998 Contact: Rep. Pete Kelly at (907)-465-2327.

JUNEAU -- The State House Friday passed House Bill 334, sponsored by Representative Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks), which waives tuition for the immediate families of peace officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty. Currently, Alaska law provides free tuition and fees at UA for the dependents of members of the armed services who are killed in the line of duty.

"This is the least we can do for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens," Kelly said. "We're adding the families of fallen peace officers and firefighters to what is a fairly short list of those who deserve this privilege. It is fitting that the families of Alaska's Finest get the chance to attend the University of Alaska systems and get the finest education Alaska can provide."

Kelly's bill would amend the statute waiving tuition and fees in the University of Alaska system for spouses and dependents of slain members of the armed forces to include the spouses and children of slain State Troopers, Village Public Safety Officers and municipal police officers. The measure also includes municipal peace officers killed while on duty in municipal service, firefighters, and federal marshals. Current law provides the benefit to those killed while on state or federal government duty or who are officially listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.

HB 334 now goes to the senate for consideration.

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= Pete Kelly, 27 K