Texas House Bill HB1120

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to limitations on increases in designated tuition charged by certain general academic teaching institutions.

Impact

If enacted, HB1120 would directly affect existing tuition frameworks by mandating that increases in tuition must be justified and limited by the inflation rate determined annually by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This addition is designed to make higher education more financially accessible and reduce the financial burden often associated with rising tuition rates, which can deter prospective students from pursuing further education. The change would apply starting from the 2010-2011 academic year, ensuring immediate relevance for institutions and prospective students alike.

Summary

House Bill 1120 seeks to impose limitations on the increases of designated tuition charged by certain general academic teaching institutions in Texas. The bill aims to ensure that the tuition for each academic year does not exceed the amount charged to similarly situated students in the previous academic year, adjusted only for inflation. This restriction is particularly aimed at enhancing affordability and predictability for students as they plan for their education costs, promoting access to higher education across the state.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1120 represents a significant step towards addressing cost-related barriers in Texas higher education. By instituting more stringent controls on tuition increases, the bill seeks not only to protect students financially but also to promote broader access to educational opportunities, which could have far-reaching benefits for the workforce and economy of Texas. The effectiveness and consequences of such regulatory measures will likely be closely monitored by stakeholders in the education sector.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB1120 may involve contrasting perspectives on the implications of regulating tuition. Supporters argue that limiting tuition increases will foster a more inclusive higher education system, while detractors may express concerns about potential negative impacts on the funding and operational flexibility of institutions. There may be anxiety that enforced tuition caps could hinder universities from adequately responding to inflationary pressures on their operational costs, thus undermining the quality of education they can provide.