Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2768

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

Caption

Relating to applicability of fee exemptions for military personnel and their children to certain course fees charged by public technical institutes and public state colleges.

Impact

The amendment signifies a shift in how fee exemptions are administered, particularly affecting military personnel and their dependents. The bill's introduction suggests that it aims to address concerns about the financial burden that extraordinary course fees may impose on military families. By providing institutions with the authority to exclude certain costs from exemption eligibility, the bill may influence enrollment patterns and financial planning for military families who rely on educational benefits.

Summary

House Bill 2768 proposes amendments to the Texas Education Code concerning the applicability of fee exemptions for military personnel and their children. Specifically, it addresses course fees imposed by public technical institutes and state colleges, allowing these institutions to establish fees associated with extraordinary costs for specific courses or programs. The bill gives governing boards the discretion to specify that standard fee exemptions do not apply to these particular fees, thereby altering the financial landscape for military families seeking higher education.

Contention

Notably, the change raises potential points of contention regarding the equitable treatment of military families in accessing educational opportunities. Advocates for the bill argue that the funds generated from these exceptional fees could be reinvested into the programs or courses, thus enhancing educational offerings. Conversely, critics could view the measure as an additional financial barrier for military dependents, who already face unique challenges in accessing education due to their family's service commitments.

Additional_notes

Furthermore, the implementation of these changes is set to commence with fees charged for the fall semester of 2009. The transition period allows institutions to prepare before the new provisions take effect, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and ready to adapt to the updated policies.

Companion Bills

TX SB847

Identical Relating to applicability of fee exemptions for military personnel and their children to certain course fees charged by public technical institutes and public state colleges.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2540

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for the siblings of certain military personnel.

TX HB2158

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for firefighters enrolled in certain courses at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3997

Relating to reporting and data collection requirements in relation to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain military personnel and their family members.

TX HB4666

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.

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 HB2197

Relating to assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB969

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain correctional officers and jailers.

TX HB1976

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB438

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.