Texas House Bill HB214

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.

Impact

The proposed measures in HB 214 will require public higher education institutions to modify their housing policies to prioritize homeless students in the allocation of student housing facilities. Moreover, institutions must designate at least one liaison officer to handle the unique needs of students who are homeless or those who have experienced foster care, effectively requiring a dedicated resource for these groups. By instituting clear protocols for assistance, the bill aims to enhance student success and retention rates among these populations.

Summary

House Bill 214 aims to establish measures assisting students enrolled in public institutions of higher education who are either homeless or were in foster care. The bill outlines the responsibilities of institutions to provide support and priority housing assignment to these vulnerable student populations. By defining 'homeless students' in line with federal definitions, the bill ensures a clear mandate for institutions to identify and assist affected students effectively. It also mandates the appointment of liaison officers within each institution to help facilitate access to necessary resources and services.

Contention

While there is a general consensus on the importance of supporting vulnerable student populations, there may be discussions around the adequacy of the resources allocated for implementing these measures. Critics could raise concerns about the financial burden on institutions to expand their services and infrastructure considerably to accommodate the needs of these students. Proponents, however, are likely to argue that the investment is crucial for fostering equal opportunity and a supportive educational environment for all students.