Texas Senate Bill SB2182

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to measures to increase participation in state programs relating to saving money or prepaying for college.

Impact

The implications of SB2182 are significant as it seeks to amend the Education Code to create a more inclusive framework for college savings programs in Texas. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these new measures, which include evaluating existing programs and proposing improvements to increase overall participation. The bill's focus on economically disadvantaged groups addresses longstanding gaps in access to higher education funding, aiming to create a level playing field for students across varying socio-economic backgrounds.

Summary

Senate Bill 2182 aims to enhance participation in state programs designed for saving money or prepaying for college education. The bill introduces measures such as automatic enrollment plans and matching grants based on beneficiaries' income levels or achievement of certain academic goals. These changes are intended to broaden access to higher education funding opportunities particularly for economically disadvantaged and minority students. By incorporating flexibility in contribution criteria, the bill makes it easier to establish matching accounts, thus promoting higher participation in education saving plans.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding SB2182 involve balancing the expansion of educational savings programs with the need for adequate funding and resources. As the bill proposes the use of existing funds for new initiatives, questions have arisen regarding the sustainability and effectiveness of the proposed matching accounts and automatic enrollment plans. Critics are concerned that without substantial financial backing, the ambitious goals of the bill may not be fully realized, thus limiting its intended positive impact on student access to college savings initiatives.