Texas House Bill HB1076

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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, this bill could significantly influence how tuition rates are set across Texas's higher education institutions. The study mandated by the bill will analyze the potential effects of tuition regulation on student enrollment, particularly for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. It will also assess the implications for affordability, student financial aid, and potential student loan debt. By February 2023, the findings and recommendations must be reported to high-ranking officials, including the governor and legislative committee chairs overseeing education, which may prompt further legislative action.

Summary

House Bill 1076 proposes a study by the Legislative Budget Board to evaluate the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of potential legislative actions that could either standardize tuition rates or allow institutions to maintain autonomy in their rate setting. Key factors for consideration include the balance between making higher education more affordable and ensuring that institutions have the necessary revenue for quality education. This approach signals a legislative effort to address rising tuition costs and their impact on student accessibility.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention regarding HB 1076 revolves around the authority of educational institutions to establish their own tuition rates versus the government's desirability of controlling costs. Supporters argue that some level of regulation is necessary to make education accessible, especially for low-income students, while opponents may view state intervention as an encroachment on institutional autonomy. The success of this bill may hinge on finding a compromise that addresses both affordability for students and the financial sustainability of the institutions themselves, thereby impacting the future landscape of higher education funding in Texas.