Texas House Bill HB4253

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to higher education student loan repayment assistance for peace officers.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would directly impact statutes related to educational financial assistance and the employment of peace officers. The repayment assistance is limited to 20% of the total eligible student loans, with a cap of $20,000 over a maximum of five years of service. Furthermore, it would provide a structured method for peace officers to alleviate their substantial educational debt, potentially serving as a recruitment and retention tool for state law enforcement agencies, enhancing the appeal of careers in policing amid rising educational costs.

Summary

House Bill 4253 is aimed at providing financial assistance for student loan repayment specifically to peace officers employed by state agencies or political subdivisions in Texas. This bill establishes a program under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board where eligible peace officers can apply for assistance in repaying their student loans. To qualify for this assistance, individuals must have been employed as peace officers for at least one year, have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at an accredited institution, and reside in Texas. The program underscores the state's recognition of the financial challenges faced by those in law enforcement and their contributions to community safety.

Contention

While the intent of HB 4253 is largely supportive, there could be points of contention regarding the sources of funding for this program, specifically how the state allocates financial resources for the repayment assistance versus other essential services. Moreover, discussions might focus on whether such financial programs could lead to preferential treatment for certain job sectors at the expense of comprehensive student loan reform affecting a broader pool of graduates. As these issues may arise during discussions, stakeholders will need to ensure that the implementation of this bill does not result in unintended disparities or burdens on the state's budget.