Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will not only analyze the current tuition setting practices but will also investigate equity in access to higher education for disadvantaged or underrepresented groups among Texan students. It will assess how changes in tuition regulations might affect enrollment, financial aid, and the overall financial burden on students, including student loan debt. A crucial element will be providing recommendations for legislative action based on the findings, which must be submitted by December 1, 2026.
Summary
House Bill 299 (HB299) proposes a study by the Legislative Budget Board to examine the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates charged by public institutions of higher education in Texas. It aims to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of imposing regulations that could alter the current authority of these institutions to set their own tuition rates. The study is supposed to explore various factors that relate to affordability and accessibility in education while maintaining the financial needs of these institutions to provide quality education.
Contention
Notably, the bill acknowledges the financial implications that regulatory actions might have on the revenue stream for educational institutions. If the study indicates that regulating tuition could lead to a loss of revenue, it is tasked with identifying alternative funding sources, such as institutional endowments, to mitigate the impact. This aspect may stir discussions about the sustainability of finance models in higher education amid potential regulatory changes, highlighting the balance between affordability for students and operational viability for institutions.
Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the determination of resident status of certain high school graduates by public institutions of higher education and to the tuition and fees charged by those institutions to those graduates.
Relating to providing information to undergraduate students regarding certain fixed or flat tuition rates provided by certain public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in 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.