Texas House Bill HB3396

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing a pilot project to offer student loans for certain courses offered by a public junior college.

Impact

The bill mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to collaborate with the Tarrant County Junior College District to implement this pilot project. Through this collaboration, the junior college district will have the authority to utilize local funds to establish a student loan program targeted at students enrolled in approved continuing education courses. The introduction of this bill is anticipated to create a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of providing student loans in this context, leading to possible expansions in the future depending on the outcomes of the pilot program.

Summary

House Bill 3396 proposes the establishment of a pilot project allowing for the provision of student loans specifically for certain continuing education courses offered by a public junior college. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance access to higher education opportunities for students who are pursuing coursework that does not necessarily lead to a degree, license, or certification. This initiative aims to optimize the usage of junior college facilities and resources while promoting educational advancement in the community.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes expanding educational access, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of local funds for the loan program and whether the offered loans will adequately address the financial needs of students. Additionally, issues may also surface around the limitations placed on the courses eligible for the loans, which exclude those subject to performance funding formulas. This could spark debate on the effectiveness and fairness of the funding model in supporting diverse educational pathways.