Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 23.1-508.2 as follows:

§23.1-508.2. First responders; reduced rate tuition.

A. As used in this section, "first responder" means any emergency medical services agency employee, firefighter, law-enforcement officer, member of a search and rescue organization, member of a regional hazardous materials emergency response team, member of a community emergency response team, or member of a medical reserve corps who responds to and provides assistance during an emergency.

B. Each public institution of higher education shall reduce by a rate of five percent the tuition charged to any enrolled student who is a first responder or the child of a first responder, regardless of the domicile of any such individual.

C. Each governing board shall establish institution policies for the implementation of the provisions of subsection B at the institution.