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Bill would create law‑enforcement family scholarship; backers urge it as a recruitment and retention tool
Summary
House Bill 1171 would create a scholarship program to cover 50% of tuition (after other aid) for dependents of eligible public safety employees; witnesses said it is intended to help recruit and retain emergency workers. The bill includes a $5 million appropriation and drew questions about eligibility, administration and fiscal scope.
Representative Pat Heinert, sponsor, described House Bill 1171 as a recruitment and retention measure that would create a law enforcement family scholarship covering "50% of the fees for tuition" for dependents of eligible public‑safety employees and would be administered by the State Board of Higher Education.
Dustin Olson, lieutenant with the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department and president of the North Dakota Peace Officers Association, testified in support and said the scholarship "will help assist in the retention of good employees who seek a career in law enforcement." He asked the committee for a due‑pass recommendation.
Stephanie Ingebretsen, appearing for the Chiefs of Police Association and speaking as deputy director/attorney for the North Dakota League of Cities, said the bill…
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