Texas House Bill HB1341

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/14/11
• Out of House Committee: 3/25/11
• Voted on by House: 4/8/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/8/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the manner of payment of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The legislation amends Section 54.007 of the Education Code, providing both students and institutions with clearer guidelines on tuition payments. By establishing mandatory installment payment options, the bill seeks to ease the financial burden on students, promoting greater access to higher education. This change is expected to positively impact enrollment rates as students may be more likely to attend college if they have manageable payment options.

Summary

House Bill 1341 addresses the payment methods for tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill allows students to pay these fees in full by certain deadlines or to choose an installment payment plan. This flexibility aims to accommodate students who may face financial difficulties while pursuing their education. Additionally, it introduces specific procedures regarding how institutions must inform students about payment terms and conditions, thereby enhancing transparency in financial obligations.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB 1341 may face scrutiny. There could be concerns regarding the administrative burden on institutions to manage installment plans effectively, including tracking payments and handling late payments. Critics might argue that while the bill helps students who might struggle with lump sum payments, it could inadvertently lead to financial pitfalls if students are unable to keep up with installment payments, affecting their academic status. Additionally, some stakeholders may have reservations about the potential for incidental fees that institutions could charge for administering these payment plans.