Texas House Bill HB452

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Filed: 12/20/10
• Out of House Committee: 3/21/11
• Introduced: 12/20/10
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 2/17/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 3/15/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to temporary housing between academic terms for certain postsecondary students who have been under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

Fundamentally, this bill modifies the Education Code by adding a new section to provide essential support for vulnerable students transitioning from foster care to higher education. Institutions of higher education are mandated to assist eligible students in locating temporary housing during academic breaks. This support is vital as it addresses a significant barrier to continued education for those coming from a challenging background, ensuring their stability and ability to focus on their studies.

Summary

House Bill 452 aims to provide temporary housing support for postsecondary students who were previously under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. The bill establishes criteria for eligibility that include having been under conservatorship on the day before turning 18 or upon the removal of disabilities of minority. Eligible students must also be enrolled full-time at a higher education institution during the academic term before they seek housing assistance and have no reasonable alternative for accommodation during breaks between terms.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing the needs of former foster youth, there could be contention surrounding the resources allocated to implement these housing provisions. The ability of institutions to provide stipends or direct housing assistance is dependent on their financial circumstances, which could lead to inconsistencies in how effectively the law is applied across different colleges and universities. Stakeholders may express concerns about whether the provisions are adequate and sufficiently funded to meet the demand from eligible students.