Texas House Bill HB1954

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for lower-division students enrolled in a general academic teaching institution who maintain a high grade point average.

Impact

The implementation of HB1954 aims to incentivize academic achievement among college students in Texas, making higher education more affordable for those who demonstrate high performance. It targets primarily Texas residents, thus reinforcing educational opportunities for the state's youth and potentially increasing the graduation rates among lower-division students.

Summary

House Bill 1954 proposes an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for lower-division students at general academic teaching institutions in Texas who achieve a high grade point average (GPA). Specifically, students who graduate from private or public high schools within the state and maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 during their first semester will qualify for a tuition refund. Additionally, under certain criteria, students may also be exempted from tuition and fees for their first two academic years, provided they continue to meet the GPA requirement.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve access to education for students maintaining high academic standards, there may be discussions regarding the feasibility of funding such exemptions and refunds within institutional budgets. Critics might also question whether focusing on GPA as the sole criterion for funding is sufficient or equitable, especially concerning students who may face various challenges that could impact their academic performance.