Texas Senate Bill SB490

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the expiration of tuition equalization grant requirements for grants awarded before the 2005-2006 academic year.

Impact

The bill's passage signifies an important change in how tuition assistance is allocated and can influence financial responsibilities for students and educational institutions alike. By specifying that the requirements will no longer apply to certain grants, the bill may serve to increase access to funds for students while also potentially affecting the distribution of state resources among educational institutions. This change may be viewed as a way to modernize the grant process reflecting current educational funding needs and economic contexts.

Summary

SB490 focuses on the expiration of tuition equalization grant requirements for grants awarded prior to the 2005-2006 academic year. The bill amends the Education Code by adding specific subsections that declare the existing eligibility requirements will not apply to grants awarded after the 2014-2015 academic year. This indicates a shift in the state's policies concerning how educational funding operates for students receiving these grants, which were established to assist in equalizing tuition costs between public colleges and universities.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB490 may revolve around the implications of altering established grant requirements. Stakeholders in the education sector, including institutions, students, and advocacy groups, might have differing opinions on whether this bill will improve access to higher education or if it might inadvertently decrease the funding available for certain institutions. The specifics of the legislation's implementation and its broader implications for educational equity are likely to be points of contention among these groups.