Relating to tuition and fee exemptions or waivers at public institutions of higher education.
Impact
The bill amends existing provisions under the Texas Education Code related to financial aid. With its enactment, institutions of higher education will be required to electronically report data concerning students who receive exemptions or waivers. This includes personal identification details, the number of credit hours exempted, and the total cumulative hours of exemptions per student, enhancing accountability and transparency in the use of financial resources allocated for tuition relief.
Summary
Senate Bill 950 addresses tuition and fee exemptions or waivers at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It establishes requirements for students seeking these financial benefits by mandating the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, for non-eligible students, the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). This is aimed at ensuring that the institutions receive adequate information regarding the financial aid status of applicants, thereby facilitating more accurate administration of tuition exemptions.
Conclusion
If signed into law, SB950 will take effect on September 1, 2017, applying to exemptions beginning with the fall semester of 2018. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the financial aid process while ensuring that public institutions document and report the financial aid status of their students effectively.
Contention
Importantly, the discussions around the bill may revolve around the implications it has for students, particularly those who may find the FAFSA process cumbersome or unnecessary. Some stakeholders may argue that requiring FAFSA submissions could deter potential applicants from lower-income backgrounds who may not have the resources to navigate the complex financial aid system. Additionally, the focus on electronic reporting raises concerns regarding data privacy and the safe handling of sensitive student information.
Relating to reporting and data collection requirements in relation to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain military personnel and their family members.
Relating to eligibility of certain current or former members of the Texas National Guard or the Texas Air National Guard for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.