Texas House Bill HB2637

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the total amount of tuition and mandatory fees that a public institution of higher education may charge.

Impact

The enactment of HB2637 would have a significant impact on the financial landscape of public higher education in Texas. By capping tuition increases, the bill seeks to ensure that students can afford their education without accruing excessive debt. Public institutions would be held accountable for their fee policies, potentially leading to a more transparent fee structure. Additionally, the bill reinforces state commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities, aligning with initiatives that aim to 'Close the Gaps' in educational equity across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2637 aims to introduce a limitation on the total amount of tuition and mandatory fees that public institutions of higher education in Texas may charge students. The bill stipulates that the total fees charged per semester credit hour should not exceed a certain percentage over the fees charged in the previous academic year, specifically limiting increases to no more than six percent. This approach is intended to promote economic accessibility to higher education by controlling the escalation of tuition costs that often hinder students from pursuing their academic aspirations.

Contention

Despite the bill's intended benefits, there may be contention regarding its implications for institutional funding. Critics could argue that strict limits on tuition increases may undermine the ability of colleges and universities to secure necessary funding for educational programs, infrastructure, and faculty salaries. Furthermore, exemptions for non-resident students raise questions about fairness and equity. By allowing for tuition increases in response to the addition of new programs, some may view this as a loophole that institutions could exploit, leading to unanticipated financial burdens on certain student demographics.