Texas Senate Bill SB46

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09

Caption

Relating to tuition exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who volunteer for outreach programs.

Impact

If enacted, SB46 would amend the Texas Education Code to introduce a formal structure for providing tuition exemptions linked to community service. This reflects a growing recognition of the role older adults can play in mentoring and supporting younger students, and it aligns higher education incentives with community service initiatives. The bill could increase participation of senior citizens in educational outreach, thereby enriching student's academic and social experiences while fostering intergenerational connections.

Summary

Senate Bill 46 (SB46) aims to implement tuition exemptions for certain students at public institutions of higher education in Texas who volunteer for outreach programs. This proposed legislation allows students aged 55 and older to be exempt from tuition and fees for one course per semester if they engage in volunteer work for at least 10 hours a week or 40 hours a month for programs that encourage high school student admissions or support current students in completing their degrees. The aim is to promote community engagement among older residents while also supporting educational access for younger generations.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits, it may also raise discussions about the equity of resource distribution at public universities. Critics might argue that prioritizing tuition waivers for elder volunteers could divert funds from other deserving programs or could be unfair to younger students who also require financial assistance but may not have the capacity to volunteer at those levels. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the administrative burden on institutions to track volunteer hours and ensure compliance with the new regulations.