Texas House Bill HB367

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to tuition and fee bills or billing statements provided to students by public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The enactment of HB367 is expected to impact state laws related to the Education Code, specifically Section 54.015, which governs tuition and fee billing processes. By standardizing the billing statements provided to students, the bill aims to ensure all public colleges and universities uniformly disclose tuition costs, thus fostering informed financial planning among students and their families. Such clarity in financial documentation may facilitate discussions on affordability in higher education.

Summary

House Bill 367 pertains to the requirements for tuition and fee bills provided by public institutions of higher education to enrolled students. It mandates that these institutions must issue a billing statement for each semester or term that clearly delineates the total tuition and fees charged. Furthermore, the bill requires an itemized list of charges, which includes individual tuition costs for courses and any additional fees, thereby enhancing transparency around educational costs for students.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve transparency in tuition and fee structures, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the additional administrative burden it places on institutions. Critics might argue that the requirement for detailed itemization can result in increased operational costs, which institutions may need to offset, potentially leading to higher tuition rates or fewer educational resources. Additionally, there could be debate over whether the enhanced transparency adequately addresses broader issues of higher education affordability.