Texas Senate Bill SB464

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating provisions authorizing or requiring public institutions of higher education to set aside portions of tuition for student financial assistance and other purposes.

Impact

The passage of SB464 would reshape how public institutions manage their tuition funds, potentially leading to less financial support for students reliant on institutional grants. The bill's effect on tuition revenues is notable as institutions may no longer be bound to allocate a guaranteed percentage of tuition fees towards financial aid programs. This could decrease the overall amount of financial assistance available, especially for low-income and nonresident students who might depend on these funds to manage tuition costs effectively.

Summary

SB464 aims to amend the Education Code by eliminating the provisions that authorize or require public institutions of higher education in Texas to set aside portions of tuition for student financial assistance and other specific purposes. This bill is significant as it seeks to change the funding mechanisms for financial aid, which could have broad implications for students' access to educational resources. By removing the requirement for institutions to allocate certain percentages of tuition towards financial aid, it addresses the challenges associated with funding student grants, specifically the Texas Public Educational Grants.

Contention

Opposition to SB464 may arise from concerns regarding access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students. Advocates for student financial aid may argue that without mandatory allocations, institutions might prioritize other funding areas over student support, leading to increased financial burdens on students. Supporters of the bill might contend that institutions should have more financial flexibility and autonomy in how tuition revenues are utilized, arguing this could lead to more efficient resource management overall.