Texas House Bill HB2727

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

Impact

This bill will have a significant impact on educational policies within Texas, enhancing the state’s commitment to improving access to higher education. By providing financial aid specifically for two-year public institutions, HB2727 aims to increase enrollments at community colleges and technical institutes, which may also contribute to workforce development and local economic growth. The grant program is expected to alleviate some of the financial barriers faced by students pursuing associate degrees or technical training.

Summary

House Bill 2727 establishes the Texas Promise Grant Program aimed at assisting eligible students to cover tuition and mandatory fees at two-year public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill sets forth the criteria for eligibility, which requires students to be residents of Texas, recent high school graduates or holders of a high school equivalency certificate, and enrolled in an associate degree or certificate program. The program encourages higher education access for more students by implementing these support mechanisms.

Contention

Despite the positive outlook for the Texas Promise Grant Program, some concerns have been raised regarding the grant’s limitations, such as the cap on the number of credit hours a student can undertake while receiving aid, which is set at 75 semester credit hours. Opponents of specific provisions may argue that this could hinder students who need more time to complete their programs. Furthermore, the requirement that students apply for any available financial aid before receiving the grant could be contentious, as it adds complexity to the process of accessing financial assistance. Overall, the bill represents a proactive approach to educational funding in Texas, albeit with some regulations that could be debated.