Texas House Bill HB123

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to excess undergraduate credit hours at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

By refining the criteria under which credit hours are counted, HB123 seeks to alleviate financial burdens on students pursuing degrees while ensuring that institutions maintain accountability in their educational offerings. The alterations to Section 61.0595 of the Education Code will apply to funding recommendations starting with the 2017-2018 academic year, indicating a forward-looking approach aimed at addressing ongoing challenges in undergraduate education funding.

Summary

House Bill 123 addresses the regulations surrounding excess undergraduate credit hours at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill aims to clarify which credit hours are considered in determining a student's prior earning of semester credit hours, thereby impacting how tuition is assessed for students who exceed the typical number of credit hours required for graduation. The legislation introduces specific exemptions to the count of these credit hours, which are intended to promote fairness and support for various educational pathways.

Contention

While HB123 is largely focused on streamlining the credit-hour counting process, it may raise discussions regarding the balance between institutional regulations and student flexibility. Some stakeholders may argue that this legislation could enable students to navigate degree programs more effectively, while others may express concerns over the potential for increased financial strain on institutions if not managed properly. The bill's passage, however, relies on garnering the necessary support from both legislative chambers, as its immediate effectiveness requires a two-thirds majority vote.