Texas Senate Bill SB1765

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to financial assistance funded from the amounts of certain fees charged to students enrolled at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill is significant in how it restructures the allocation of financial resources within Texas's higher education system. By ensuring that substantial portions of tuition revenue are redirected towards financial assistance, SB1765 aims to make higher education more accessible to resident students who might otherwise struggle with the costs. This could alleviate some burdens from families and contribute to a broader effort of increasing educational attainment in the state.

Summary

SB1765 aims to enhance financial assistance mechanisms for students at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It mandates that a portion of designated tuition and student fees should be allocated to scholarships and assistance for resident undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, it requires institutions to set aside at least 20% of excess tuition fees for undergraduates and 15% for graduate students, targeting those who demonstrate financial need as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Contention

There may be debates surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of SB1765. Some stakeholders may have concerns about whether the percentage set aside for financial aid is sufficient, especially in light of rising tuition costs. Additionally, funding mechanisms from which these percentages will be derived, particularly regarding student fees first imposed after the 2009 fall semester, might also be points of contention in discussions about budget allocations for public universities.

Additional_points

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with disseminating information about financial assistance programs, which signifies a state-level commitment to transparency and awareness. The effectiveness of this provision could largely depend on how effectively this information is communicated to students and their families, thus affecting the uptake and impact of the financial assistance provided under SB1765.