Texas Senate Bill SB2084

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/1/09

Caption

Relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of the TEXAS grant program.

Impact

The passage of SB2084 is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding financial aid for higher education. It introduces new metrics for eligibility, particularly emphasizing academic performance and residency, which could enhance opportunities for high-achieving students who graduate from Texas schools. Additionally, the bill aims to ensure that the administration of the TEXAS grant program remains equitable by incorporating merit-based criteria, which may not disproportionately affect specific categories of students, as mandated by the coordinating board's oversight.

Summary

SB2084, titled 'An Act Relating to Eligibility for a TEXAS Grant,' seeks to amend provisions of the Education Code concerning the eligibility requirements for the TEXAS grant program. The primary intention of this bill is to alter the criteria under which students can qualify for tuition and fee exemptions, specifically focusing on the fiscal constraints affecting the available funding for the program. This bill reflects the ongoing efforts of the Texas legislature to adapt educational funding to the current economic climate while striving to promote accessibility to higher education for students across the state.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding this bill may highlight concerns regarding the balance between merit-based financial aid and accessibility for underrepresented groups. Critics may argue that stricter eligibility requirements could inadvertently exclude students from disadvantaged backgrounds, exacerbating existing inequities in access to higher education. As financial aid continues to be a significant topic of debate within the Texas legislature, the potential repercussions of this bill will likely be closely monitored by stakeholders interested in educational equity and fiscal responsibility.