Texas House Bill HB1163

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/11
• Introduced: 2/7/11
• Voted on by House: 4/25/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/25/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain peace officers and firefighters.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1163 will modify sections of the Texas Education Code to provide financial relief to eligible individuals in these critical public service roles. By exempting eligible students from tuition and laboratory fees, the bill encourages further education and professional development within emergency response fields. This could positively impact the quality and effectiveness of fire and police services throughout Texas, enhancing community safety and service delivery.

Summary

House Bill 1163 proposes a tuition and fee exemption for certain peace officers and firefighters attending public institutions of higher education in Texas. The law specifically targets students enrolled in fire science courses and criminal justice or law enforcement-related degrees. It aims to recognize the contributions of these professions and support their educational pursuits by alleviating some financial burdens associated with higher education expenses. Notably, the bill stipulates that students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the exemption in subsequent semesters.

Contention

While the bill seeks to support peace officers and firefighters, it may also spark a debate on funding for higher education institutions, given that the cost of compliance must be reported to legislative committees if the necessary funds for making these exemptions are not allocated by the state. Concerns may arise about the prioritization of financial resources, particularly amidst competing educational funding needs. Overall, stakeholders will need to navigate these issues as they consider the bill's long-term implications for state education policy and financial sustainability.