Texas House Bill HB380

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to tuition and fees charged to employees of public institutions of higher education and a spouse, child, or dependent of those employees.

Impact

If enacted, HB 380 aims to encourage public institutions of higher education in Texas to offer affordable educational opportunities to their employees and their families. By implementing a reduced tuition fee structure, the bill could incentivize employment in public higher education and enhance job satisfaction among faculty and staff. This affordability may make it easier for employees' children and spouses to pursue higher education degrees, ultimately leading to a more educated workforce in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 380 proposes amendments to Section 54.059 of the Education Code concerning tuition and fees for employees of public institutions of higher education and their families. Specifically, the bill allows faculty and employees to pay reduced tuition rates for themselves and their dependents. The discounted rate is set at a maximum of half the tuition charged to similarly situated resident students, fostering accessibility to higher education for those employed within the educational sector.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 380 may arise regarding the implications of funding and available resources at public institutions. Critics could argue that reducing tuition rates for employees might lead to financial strains on schools, especially if the funding mechanism is not well defined. Furthermore, there might be concerns about the perceived fairness of providing such benefits to public employees, particularly if other economic segments do not receive similar assistance. Legislative deliberation will likely focus on balancing employee benefits with the fiscal responsibilities of maintaining public institutions.

Notable_points

The bill establishes specific eligibility criteria, including full-time employment for at least half the month and does not allow employees or their spouses to hold elective public office. This aims to ensure that the benefits are directed towards individuals fully engaged in their educational roles without potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for non-discrimination based on others’ resident statuses, emphasizing fairness in educational access.