Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB3837

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

Impact

The bill’s impact would primarily be felt by students attending public institutions. By restricting the amount of tuition that can be charged, it seeks to prevent unpredictable tuition hikes that can financially strain students and their families. Additionally, it encourages institutions to improve their performance metrics such as graduation rates and retention, as these criteria are explicitly stated in the amended sections of the Education Code.

Summary

House Bill 3837 introduces significant changes to tuition regulations for public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill sets a cap on the total amount of tuition that can be charged to a student for an academic year, limiting it to the amount charged for the 2008-2009 academic year for similarly situated students. This change aims to stabilize tuition costs for students amidst fluctuating economic conditions, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill does not come without controversy. Critics argue that such limitations may hinder institutions' ability to generate necessary funds to maintain educational quality and expand services. There are concerns that if public institutions can't raise tuition when needed, they might cut programs or resources essential for student success. Moreover, this restriction could create disparities among institutions, as their financial needs and student demographics vary significantly.

Notable_points

Another key aspect of HB3837 is the mandate for governing boards to establish different tuition rates for various programs and course levels. This flexibility is designed to encourage efficient use of facilities and to increase graduation rates. However, the effectiveness of these measures will largely depend on how well institutions adapt to these new regulatory frameworks and balance affordability against their operational needs.

Companion Bills

TX HB1957

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

TX SB104

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

Previously Filed As

TX SB548

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

TX HB683

Relating to the exemption of tuition and laboratory fees at public institutions of higher education for certain paramedics.

TX SB1350

Relating to the exemption of tuition and laboratory fees at public institutions of higher education for certain paramedics.

TX SB2449

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.

TX HB547

Relating to tuition and fee bills or billing statements provided to students by public institutions of higher education.

TX HB877

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.

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 HB164

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 SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1976

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.