Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3655

Caption

Relating to the administration and operation of the state's programs for paying, prepaying, or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education, including the powers and duties of the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3655 will benefit stakeholders by ensuring that prepaid tuition contracts are protected from legal claims against individuals, thereby securing the funds for educational purposes. Additionally, the legislation will enhance reporting and operational standards for the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, which is expected to lead to better management of the fund used for redeeming tuition units. Stakeholders, including parents and students, will have more clarity on the administration of these contracts and can access annual statements regarding their status.

Summary

House Bill 3655 pertains to the administration and operation of Texas's prepaid higher education tuition programs. The bill amends sections of the Education Code to clarify the powers and duties of the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, including rules governing the payment, prepayment, and savings for higher education costs. It introduces efficiency in managing prepaid tuition contracts and aims to improve transparency in the funding process. The amendments specify requirements for the Board’s operations, as well as the rights of purchasers and beneficiaries under these contracts.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 3655 appears to be positive, particularly among educators and advocacy groups for higher education financing. Supporters argue that the bill streamlines processes and enhances security for funds intended for educational expenses. There seems to be a collective agreement that an efficient management framework will benefit future students seeking higher education, although some stakeholders might express concern over the balance of state oversight versus flexibility in individual education funding decisions.

Contention

Despite the overall support, notable points of contention could arise regarding the regulations outlined for the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, particularly on how strictly the board should adhere to the specified administrative measures. Questions could be raised on whether these changes impose excessive bureaucratic oversight or whether they truly enhance the utility of prepaid contracts for families. Additionally, the impact of these changes on financial aid and student debt may solicit further debate among policymakers.

Latest HB3655 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB1664

Same As Relating to the administration and operation of the state's programs for paying, prepaying, or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education, including the powers and duties of the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3149

Relating to the creation of a universal higher education savings trust account by the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.

TX HB100

Relating to the creation of a universal higher education savings trust account by the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.

TX SB1128

Relating to the service of and certain benefits for members of the Texas military forces, including tuition assistance at postsecondary educational institutions.

TX SB1987

Relating to the accreditation of certain postsecondary educational institutions in this state or of certain programs offered by those institutions.

TX HB3280

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.

TX HB1211

Relating to financial assistance, including repayment of loans, for certain students attending postsecondary educational institutions.

TX HB164

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX SB548

Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

Similar Bills

TX SB1094

Relating to the payment of certain education expenses using the state's programs for paying, prepaying, or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education.

TX SB1941

Relating to the administration and operation of the state's programs for prepaying or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education.

TX HB4351

Relating to the administration and operation of, and the participation of state employees in, the state's programs for prepaying or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education.

TX SB1664

TX SB1760

Relating to the administration of the Texas Save and Match Program to assist qualifying beneficiaries under the state's prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans and to the treatment of a beneficiary's assets under prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans in determining eligibility for student financial assistance and other assistance programs.

TX SB1325

Relating to the administration of the Texas Save and Match Program to assist qualifying beneficiaries under the state's prepaid tuition unit program and college savings plans and to the treatment of a beneficiary's assets under a prepaid tuition program or a college savings plan in determining eligibility for student financial assistance and other assistance programs.

VA HB2593

Virginia College Access and Affordability Scholarship Fund; established, report.

CA AB1688

Community health services: California Mental Health Planning Council, California Children’s Services program, Alameda County pilot program, and Medi-Cal managed care.