Texas House Bill HB1808

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to limitations on the total amount of tuition charged to a student by a public institution of higher education.

Impact

The significance of HB 1808 lies in its potential impact on state tuition policies, as it seeks to create a more stable and predictable financial environment for students pursuing higher education. By establishing a limit tied to historical tuition rates, this bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and families, making higher education more accessible. The bill also empowers the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create further regulations necessary to implement these limitations, thereby ensuring compliance across institutions.

Summary

House Bill 1808 introduces limitations on the total amount of tuition that can be charged to students by public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the total tuition charged to a student for an academic year may not exceed the corresponding tuition charged for the 2008-2009 academic year by more than five percent. This legislative measure aims to promote more predictable and manageable tuition increases for students within public colleges and universities, addressing concerns over rising tuition rates that have outpaced inflation and income growth in recent years.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1808 involve the balance between adequate funding for public institutions and the necessity for tuition regulation. Proponents argue that capping tuition increases is essential for maintaining educational accessibility, particularly for low- and middle-income families. However, critics may assert that such limitations could reduce the operational funds available to educational institutions, potentially affecting the quality of education and service provided. These discussions indicate a larger debate over funding models for higher education and the role of the state in regulating educational costs.