By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 52
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to exemptions for disabled peace officers from payment of
tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Section 54.352, Education Code,
is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 54.352. DISABLED PEACE OFFICERS[; OPTIONAL
EXEMPTION].
SECTION 2. Subsection (a), Section 54.352, Education Code,
is amended to read as follows:
(a) The governing board of an institution of higher
education shall [may] exempt a student from the payment of tuition
and [required] fees [authorized by this chapter] for a course for
which space is available if the student:
(1) is a resident of this state and has resided in this
state for the 12 months immediately preceding the beginning of the
semester or session for which an exemption is sought;
(2) is permanently disabled as a result of an injury
suffered during the performance of a duty as a peace officer of this
state or a political subdivision of this state; and
(3) is unable to continue employment as a peace
officer because of the disability.
SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply to an
exemption from tuition and fees beginning with the 2013 fall
semester.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.