Texas Senate Bill SB1304

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/12/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to notice to students of a public institution of higher education of the required use of a portion of a student's tuition payments to provide student financial aid.

Impact

If enacted, SB1304 will significantly impact student financial aid mechanisms within state universities and colleges. By removing the percentage set-aside requirement, the bill could lead to a reduction in the funds available for financial aid, affecting students who rely on these resources to finance their education. This shift could create financial challenges for lower-income students and those needing assistance, as the direct allocation of funds for aid may lessen in effective terms.

Summary

Senate Bill 1304 focuses on amending the provisions surrounding tuition set-asides for financial assistance at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill proposes the repeal of Subchapter B, Chapter 56 of the Education Code, which mandated that a certain percentage of designated tuition be allocated for student financial aid. Specifically, it aims to eliminate the requirement of setting aside five percent of the tuition charged to resident undergraduate students, which was established to support financial assistance programs for students.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding SB1304 may include points of contention regarding the adequacy of funding for student aid and the potential repercussions of reduced financial support for vulnerable student populations. Proponents of the bill might argue that abolishing the set-aside could allow institutions more flexibility to allocate tuition revenues according to their priorities. However, opponents are likely to raise concerns about the implications of reduced financial assistance, fearing that it could exacerbate existing inequities in access to higher education.