Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB250

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

Caption

Relating to limitations on increases in fees and designated tuition charged by certain public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The enactment of SB250 is expected to stabilize tuition costs for students while providing them with assurances that institutions will not impose arbitrary increases. By legally binding institutions to adhere to prior year's fee structures adjusted for inflation, the bill promotes a more manageable financial environment for students. Additionally, it establishes a protocol for student involvement in fee increases, implying that any increase in fees must be approved through a student voting process. This provision signals a notable shift towards enhancing student accountability and involvement in financial decisions affecting their education.

Summary

SB250, known as the Higher Education Accountability Restoration Act, aims to impose significant restrictions on how public institutions of higher education can increase tuition and fees. The bill specifically mandates that general academic teaching institutions cannot exceed tuition and fee rates charged in the previous academic year, except under certain conditions. The inflation rate will also be certified each year by the Legislative Budget Board to guide these increases, ensuring that any adjustments align with the consumer price index changes. This intention is to foster predictability and accountability in higher education financing, particularly as costs have been rising substantially in recent years.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB250 is a necessary step to control spiraling costs and promote financial transparency in higher education, critics voice concerns about potential constraints on institutions' financial flexibility. Some worry that strict limitations on fee increases may hinder the ability of universities to respond dynamically to funding shortfalls or emerging needs. This conflict underscores the tension between maintaining affordability in higher education and ensuring that institutions have sufficient resources to maintain quality education and services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 SB18

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

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 SB473

Relating to providing information to undergraduate students regarding certain fixed or flat tuition rates provided by certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4363

Relating to the establishment of the Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program for certain students at 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 HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

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.