Texas Senate Bill SB1269

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to setting aside for TEXAS grant funding tuition paid by students at campuses maintained by public institutions of higher education outside the United States.

Impact

If enacted, SB1269 will result in a systematic allocation of resources aimed at increasing the funding available for student financial aid for those attending international campuses. This legislation will particularly benefit students from Texas seeking higher education opportunities abroad, ensuring they have access to state-sponsored financial support. By mandating this funding, the bill also establishes a precedent for how tuition revenues can be utilized to enhance student aid programs, thereby potentially serving as a model for other higher education funding initiatives.

Summary

SB1269 aims to amend the Education Code by requiring that public institutions of higher education that maintain campuses outside the United States set aside five percent of the tuition paid by students enrolled at these campuses. The funds generated from this set-aside will contribute to the TEXAS grant program, which provides financial aid to students from low to middle-income families. This prospective law seeks to enhance the availability of financial assistance for students studying abroad, particularly in public universities, aligning with the State's support for higher education accessibility without local borders.

Contention

Although the bill itself appears straightforward in its intent, there may be underlying concerns regarding the potential impact on institutional budgets. Some may worry that setting aside a portion of tuition could limit the financial resources available to institutions operating outside Texas, potentially affecting their operational capacities or lead to higher tuition rates for students. Others might contend that this requirement should be accompanied by a clearer framework outlining how these funds are managed and distributed within the grant program to ensure transparency and efficacy in providing aid.