Texas Senate Bill SB1764

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/29/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the dissemination of information regarding the cost of attending public and private institutions of higher education and regarding the availability of financial aid to assist in paying that cost.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly impact how educational institutions present their financial information. By requiring the disclosure of various cost elements including tuition, fees, room and board, and other associated expenses, the bill seeks to create a more informed and empowered student body. It would also likely influence the resources colleges and universities allocate towards their admissions operations as they adapt to these uniform standards for cost publication.

Summary

SB1764 focuses on establishing uniform standards for the dissemination of information regarding the costs associated with attending both public and private higher education institutions in Texas. The bill mandates that institutions present their tuition and related costs in a manner that is easily understandable for prospective students and their families. This initiative aims to improve transparency and ensure that students have access to comprehensive cost information when making decisions about their higher education path.

Contention

While the bill is rooted in the objective of fostering transparency, it may face scrutiny regarding the burdens it places on smaller private institutions that may find it challenging to comply with the stringent requirements. Additionally, concerns might arise regarding the definitions and specifics of the uniform standards, as institutions might have different operational capacities and resources to meet these new mandates. Proponents of the bill argue that it enhances consumer protection, while some opponents could contend that it imposes unnecessary regulations.