Texas House Bill HB2555

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a study and report regarding tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.

Impact

The findings of this study are intended to produce a detailed report, which will enjoy wide dissemination among key stakeholders, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Veterans Commission, the Governor, and legislative leaders. The emphasis on detailed demographic data signifies a potential shift towards more tailored educational policy decisions that reflect the diverse needs of military personnel and their dependents. The report could lead to proposed legislative or administrative changes to refine eligibility criteria or adjust the program to enhance its effectiveness.

Summary

House Bill 2555 aims to conduct a systematic study regarding tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents in Texas. The bill mandates the Legislative Budget Board, in consultation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Veterans Commission, to analyze the efficacy and sustainability of the current tuition exemptions provided under Texas Education Code Section 54.341. The focus is particularly on disaggregated data concerning the exemptions, exploring the demographics of recipients, their academic performance, and graduation rates.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the situation for military personnel and their families, some stakeholders worry about the implications of a comprehensive evaluation that might lead to tightening the exemptions. Potential points of contention include the fear that more rigorous data requirements could inadvertently reduce accessibility for certain groups of veterans or their families. This scrutiny and evaluation approach may serve as a double-edged sword, as it could foster better policies or risk limiting benefits due to perceived inefficiencies.