Topeka ? Starting July 1, Kansas residents who are the children or spouses of dead and missing soldiers and prisoners of war will be able to attend a public college or university without paying tuition.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill granting the tuition break, her office announced Wednesday. She also signed another bill designed to ensure that military families don’t lose health insurance coverage after soldiers return from active duty.

Both measures are part of a proposed “Kansas Military Bill of Rights.” Last week, Sebelius signed another bill, exempting the recruiting, sign-up or retention bonuses paid to soldiers from Kansas income tax.

“Our servicemen and women willingly make sacrifices when they serve,” Sebelius said in a statement. “If they make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe it to them to take care of their families.”

State law already waives tuition at public universities, community colleges and vocational colleges for the children, spouses or other dependents of law enforcement officers or firefighters who die on duty.

The new law will apply when a soldier dies on duty, is declared missing in action or is a prisoner of war. Their dependents will be able to attend up to five years’ worth of classes without paying tuition. State officials don’t know how many students would take advantage of such a waiver.

Supporters view the change in insurance policy as necessary because soldiers on active duty receive federal coverage. The new law will prevent insurance companies from refusing to resume a military family’s health coverage after a soldier returns from active duty.

The other bill, exempting soldiers’ bonuses from income taxes, is expected to cost the state about $140,000 annually.

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Tuition bill is HB 2072. Insurance bill is SB 103. Income tax bill is SB 256.