Texas House Bill HB2937

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to higher education student loan repayment assistance for peace officers.

Impact

The bill defines the criteria for eligibility, requiring applicants to be Texas residents, employed full-time as peace officers for at least one year, and holding a minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution prior to their employment. The proposed program would offer up to $20,000 in repayment assistance, with limits set at a maximum of 20% of a peace officer's total eligible loans annually and can be applied for up to five years of employment. This financial support aims to make public service careers more appealing and sustainable, understanding the challenges regarding student debt.

Summary

House Bill 2937 proposes the establishment of a loan repayment assistance program specifically for peace officers in Texas. Under this bill, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with creating and administering a program that grants financial assistance to qualified peace officers who have significant student loan debt. The intention is to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these individuals who serve in critical public safety roles and ensure their retention and recruitment within the law enforcement sector.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at supporting peace officers, it may face scrutiny regarding funding and the overall budget for higher education assistance programs. The stipulation that the total assistance amount cannot exceed the funds available to the board could present limitations, particularly if there is insufficient financial backing from state appropriations or if the program does not attract enough gifts or grants. Additionally, the focus on peace officers may raise questions about equity in the distribution of student loan assistance when compared to other public service professions.