Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB89

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

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implementation of HB 89 is expected to have significant repercussions on how public colleges and universities manage their tuition rates. By capping tuition fees, the bill could reduce the financial burden on students and their families, thereby promoting higher enrollment rates and potentially increasing graduation rates. Institutions will still have the flexibility to adjust tuition according to the stipulations set forth but must ensure that they do not exceed the imposed limits from the previous academic year. This is intended to create a fairer distribution of tuition costs amongst students.

Summary

House Bill 89 aims to limit the total amount of tuition that public institutions of higher education can charge students for an academic year. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the maximum tuition fees charged should not exceed the amounts that were in effect for the 2014-2015 academic year for two or more similarly situated students, based on various factors including residency status and course load. This legislative effort is designed as a measure to enhance the affordability of higher education in Texas, making it more accessible for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Contention

Although the bill is primarily aimed at improving student affordability, it has generated a mix of support and concerns among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to combat the rising costs of higher education, while critics are wary of its implications on public institutions' funding and financial health. They suggest that limiting tuition could constrain institutional revenues, potentially leading to cuts in services, academic programs, or faculty positions, which might ultimately undermine educational quality. Discussions around balancing affordability with institutional sustainability remain ongoing.

Companion Bills

TX SB255

Similar Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.

Previously Filed As

TX SB548

Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.

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.

TX SB2449

Relating to the determination of resident status of certain high school graduates by public institutions of higher education and to the tuition and fees charged by those institutions to those graduates.

TX HB547

Relating to tuition and fee bills or billing statements provided to students by public institutions of higher education.

TX HB877

Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3280

Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

TX HB164

Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB969

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

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.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

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.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.