S.B. No. 45 AN ACT relating to tuition exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students enrolled in certain interinstitutional academic programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.224 to read as follows: Sec. 54.224. INTERINSTITUTIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS. (a) In this section: (1) "Interinstitutional academic program" means a program under which a student may, in accordance with a written agreement between an institution of higher education and one or more other institutions of higher education or private or independent institutions of higher education, take courses at each institution that is a party to the agreement as necessary to fulfill the program's degree or certificate requirements. (2) "Private or independent institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the governing board of an institution of higher education may exempt from the payment of tuition and required fees authorized by this chapter a student who is taking a course, including an interdisciplinary course, at the institution under an interinstitutional academic program agreement but who is enrolled primarily at another institution of higher education or at a private or independent institution of higher education that is a party to the agreement and to which the student is responsible for the payment of tuition and fees. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 45 passed the Senate on April 28, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 45 passed the House on May 11, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 146, Nays 0, two present not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor