Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4047

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

Caption

Relating to the residency requirements for tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4047 would modify the Texas Education Code to clarify the eligibility criteria for certain groups of military personnel, including honorably discharged veterans. The bill seeks to create a more inclusive environment for accessing educational resources, specifically targeting tuition and fees for these groups. This could lead to an increase in enrollment among veterans and their dependents at Texas institutions of higher education, fostering both educational advancement and career opportunities for these individuals.

Summary

House Bill 4047 proposes amendments to the residency requirements for tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents enrolled in institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill aims to ensure that those who have served in the military, as well as their children, are afforded the same educational opportunities afforded to state residents, reducing financial barriers to higher education. By revising these exemptions, the bill recognizes the unique circumstances of military families, who often relocate due to service obligations.

Contention

While the bill is viewed positively by many advocates of veterans' rights and education access, there could be concerns raised regarding the funding implications for public institutions of higher education. By expanding the pool of individuals eligible for tuition exemptions, there may be pressure on state budgets to absorb the costs associated with these extended benefits. This aspect could lead to debates among policymakers about the balance between supporting military families and maintaining fiscal responsibility within the state's educational funding framework.

Companion Bills

TX SB93

Identical Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents or spouse and permitting those personnel to assign the exemption to a child.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4666

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.

TX SB2316

Relating to service requirements of certain current or former members of the Texas National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2596

Relating to eligibility of certain current or former members of the Texas National Guard or the Texas Air National Guard for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4617

Relating to the requirements for an electronic system to monitor tuition and fee exemptions for veterans and military personnel and their dependents.

TX HB2540

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for the siblings of certain military personnel.

TX HB3997

Relating to reporting and data collection requirements in relation to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain military personnel and their family members.

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 HB2197

Relating to assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB1376

Relating to an employment preference for members of the military and their spouses for positions at state agencies.

TX HB5229

Relating to an employment preference for members of the military and their spouses for positions at state agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.