Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB954

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to uniform financial aid award notification for students and prospective students of public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implementation of SB954 is expected to have significant implications for how financial aid is communicated to students. Institutions will be required to provide clear, itemized lists of all types of financial aid available, alongside estimated costs for attendance. This move is projected to enhance students’ ability to compare financial aid offers between institutions and make more informed decisions about their education financing.

Summary

SB954 aims to standardize financial aid notifications for students and prospective students in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill mandates that each institution must notify students about the financial aid they are offered, using a common financial aid notification form prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This form is designed to facilitate transparency and clarity in the financial aid process, ensuring students have a comprehensive understanding of what aid is available to them.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB954 may arise concerning the administrative burdens it places on higher education institutions. While proponents argue that the uniform notification will provide vital information that helps students navigate financial aid options more effectively, some institutions may express concerns over the operational challenges of adhering to a uniform notification system. The balance between providing essential information and maintaining administrative efficiency is likely to be a topic of debate.

Companion Bills

TX HB2156

Identical Relating to uniform financial aid award notification for students and prospective students of public institutions of higher education.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2225

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB5148

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB34

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4330

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4448

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX SB35

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2407

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4363

Relating to the establishment of the Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1211

Relating to financial assistance, including repayment of loans, for certain students attending postsecondary educational institutions.

TX SB454

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Emergency Aid for Public Postsecondary Students (TEAPPS) grant program for students at certain public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.