TX
Texas Senate Bill SB194

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB194

Filed
11/10/08  
Out of Senate Committee
3/23/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/2/09  
Out of House Committee
5/22/09  
Voted on by House
5/27/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/30/09  

Caption

Relating to a prohibition against certain activities by a person employed in the financial aid office of a public institution of higher education or of a career school or college.

Impact

The potential impact of SB194 on state laws is significant, particularly concerning the operations of financial aid offices. If enacted, this bill will establish clear guidelines that financial aid employees must adhere to, aimed at maintaining professional impartiality. This regulation helps to create a framework in which financial aid can be administered more fairly, without undue influence from lenders who might try to sway personal interests. Moreover, this law may encourage greater trust among students and their families regarding the advice they receive about student loans and financial assistance.

Summary

SB194 introduces regulations aimed at preventing conflicts of interest among employees working in the financial aid offices of public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, it prohibits these employees from owning stock or holding interests in student loan lenders and from soliciting or accepting gifts from such lenders. This bill seeks to ensure the integrity of financial aid processes and protect students from potential exploitation.

Contention

While the bill mainly received support for its focus on ethical practices within financial aid offices, some concerns were raised about how strictly the definitions of ownership and solicitation would be enforced. Critics have questioned whether financial aid employees might be inadvertently caught up in strict interpretations of the law, which could deter qualified individuals from working in these essential positions. Additionally, there may be concerns among institutions about the operational flexibility of their financial aid offices, as strict prohibitions could limit relationships with loan providers that foster educational support.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3164

Relating to the prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and employees at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB16

Relating to the purpose of public institutions of higher education and a prohibition on compelling students enrolled at those institutions to adopt certain beliefs.

TX HB5033

Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1607

Relating to prohibiting certain instruction as part of a course at a public institution of higher education.

TX SB969

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain correctional officers and jailers.

TX SB1711

Relating to the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.