Texas Senate Bill SB774

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/11
• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Engrossed: 5/19/11
• Refer: 5/19/11

Caption

Relating to exemptions for disabled peace officers from the payment of tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implementation of SB774 will have a meaningful impact on Texas law, particularly in the context of public education and veteran support. By enabling tuition exemptions for disabled peace officers, the bill clarifies and enhances the state's commitment to support those who have dedicated their lives to public safety and service. This aligns with broader initiatives to ensure that those who have sacrificed their ability to serve due to injury are still afforded opportunities for education and personal development.

Summary

SB774 is a legislative proposal that aims to provide tuition and fee exemptions for disabled peace officers attending public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 54.2041 of the Texas Education Code, allowing institutions to exempt these individuals from the payment of tuition and required fees based on their eligibility criteria. The bill seeks to support peace officers who sustain permanent disabilities due to injuries caused in the line of duty, thereby facilitating their educational advancement despite their circumstances.

Contention

While there does not appear to be significant points of contention explicitly outlined in the discussion around SB774, the bill reflects a growing recognition of the needs of veterans and service members within the educational domain. Discussions may arise around the extent of such exemptions and potential fiscal implications for state-funded institutions. Nevertheless, the unanimous support in committee suggests bipartisan agreement on the importance of this issue, framing it more as a matter of moral obligation than political dispute.