Texas Senate Bill SB117

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant.

Impact

The bill will specifically modify sections of the Education Code, which governs the distribution of TEXAS grants. Under the new requirements set in §56.3031, applicants will still need to demonstrate financial need, but the focus will shift away from federal benchmarks, potentially increasing participation in the grant program. The modifications are expected to take effect for grants awarded starting in the fall semester of 2015. This means that students could see changes in how their eligibility is assessed, which could influence their ability to attend college without incurring significant debt.

Summary

SB117 proposes changes to the eligibility criteria for the TEXAS grant program, which provides financial aid to students attending eligible institutions in Texas. The legislation mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board establish financial need requirements for applicants, and it emphasizes that while applicants must demonstrate eligibility for federal financial aid, they should not be subject to financial need requirements from federal programs. This adjustment is intended to broaden access for students who may otherwise be excluded due to strict federal standards.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly related to how financial need is defined and assessed. Critics may argue that the lack of stringent federal requirements could lead to increased financial aid distribution to students who might not require it, which could impact the funding available for genuinely needy students. Additionally, the process of determining which applicants meet the new eligibility criteria may face scrutiny, particularly in terms of ensuring equal access and avoiding systemic bias in financial aid distribution. Ultimately, while the bill aims to provide broader access to education funding, it raises questions about the balance between accessibility and fiscal responsibility.