Relating to stabilizing the amount of tuition charged to certain residents of this state by general academic teaching institutions.
Impact
The implications of HB335 on state law are significant, as it establishes a framework that restricts tuition increases for certain students. By setting tuition rates based on the rate charged during their freshman year, unless adjustments are mandated by the consumer price index, the bill intends to protect students from steep tuition hikes. This legislative move could ease the financial burden on families, particularly in an era where college costs are rising rapidly, thereby promoting greater access to higher education for Texas residents.
Summary
House Bill 335 aims to stabilize the amount of tuition charged to certain residents attending general academic teaching institutions in Texas. The bill introduces a new section in the Education Code that defines how tuition rates should be set for first-time freshmen who continuously enroll until graduation. This legislative measure seeks to ensure that tuition does not increase beyond a set ceiling, specifically tying any potential increases to the consumer price index, which reflects inflation and the changing economic landscape.
Contention
However, there are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics argue that the reliance on the consumer price index may not adequately reflect the unique financial needs and conditions of higher education institutions, potentially leading to funding shortfalls. Additionally, there are concerns that this bill may inadvertently incentivize institutions to restrict enrollment or limit the courses offered to remain financially viable under the new tuition regime. The balance between affordable education and sustainability for academic institutions remains a critical discussion point among stakeholders.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to creating a framework for including certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.
Relating to the academic costs charged to resident undergraduate students by general academic teaching institutions and to certain reports regarding certain costs of those institutions.
Extends TOPS eligibility for certain students who reenlist in the U.S. Armed Forces and maintain continuous active duty (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Extends TOPS eligibility for certain students who reenlist in the United States Armed Forces and maintain continuous active duty. (gov sig) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Relating to the eligibility requirements for automatic admission of undergraduate students to four-year public institutions of higher education and to certain scholarship and reporting and notice requirements relating to automatic admission.
Relating to developmental education courses and the assessment of student readiness under the Texas Success Initiative for public institutions of higher education.