Texas House Bill HB1864

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09

Caption

Relating to tuition exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students enrolled in certain interinstitutional academic programs.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will result in adjustments to the Education Code, particularly within the framework governing tuition and fees at public educational institutions. This could significantly benefit students who participate in collaborative academic programs by reducing their financial burden. By exempting them from tuition and required fees at the institution where they are taking additional courses, the bill aims to encourage enrollment in innovative educational initiatives that cross institutional boundaries.

Summary

House Bill 1864 is designed to provide tuition exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students participating in interinstitutional academic programs. These programs allow students to take courses at multiple institutions – both public and private – under a written agreement. By enabling tuition exemption for students primarily enrolled at one institution while taking courses through another, the bill aims to enhance flexibility in accessing educational resources and promoting inter-institutional collaboration.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1864 include concerns regarding funding and operational implications for the public institutions benefiting from these tuition exemptions. Critics may argue that while the bill presents an opportunity to broaden access to education, the financial impact on the institutions could lead to difficulties in sustaining their budgets. Additionally, there may be discussions on how this bill aligns with existing funding policies and overarching goals of higher education accessibility.