Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB191

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

Caption

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for undergraduate students eligible for automatic admission to general academic teaching institutions.

Impact

If enacted, SB191 would have a significant impact on the accessibility of higher education for qualified students across Texas. By exempting these students from paying tuition and special course fees at public universities, the state would promote greater inclusivity in higher education, particularly benefiting those who may come from low to moderate-income backgrounds. The legislation aims to bolster enrollment in state universities by alleviating some financial burdens, rendering higher education more attainable for many students.

Summary

Senate Bill 191 focuses on providing tuition and fee exemptions for undergraduate students who qualify for automatic admission to general academic teaching institutions in Texas. This bill aims to ensure that eligible students do not face financial barriers due to tuition costs when they are automatically admitted based on their high school performance. The provisions outlined in the bill clarify which fees are exempt and the conditions under which these exemptions apply, such as maintaining a certain academic standing.

Contention

Notably, there are some points of contention surrounding SB191. While proponents argue that the bill will enhance the financial accessibility of college education, critics may express concerns about the budgetary implications on state funding for higher education institutions. The bill mandates that the legislature account for the exemptions in the General Appropriations Act to ensure that institutions receive sufficient funding to offset the lost tuition revenue, which may present challenges in future budget allocations and discussions.

Additional_points

Moreover, the bill establishes a cumulative GPA requirement for students to retain their exemption after an initial two-year period. This stipulation aims to ensure that while the financial burden is alleviated, students are still held to academic standards that promote continued educational success and responsible use of public funds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2538

Relating to limitations on the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions.

TX HB4578

Relating to limitations on the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions.

TX SB200

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX SB64

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX SB25

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX HB3993

Relating to the automatic admission of students with a nontraditional secondary education to certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1504

Relating to the automatic admission of students with a nontraditional secondary education to certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4523

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

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.

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.