Texas House Bill HB2887

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation outlines specific eligibility criteria for scholarship recipients, including residency in Texas, financial need, and enrollment in an associate degree or certificate program at a participating institution. Notably, the bill disallows individuals with felony convictions or certain drug offenses from receiving scholarships unless they meet specific conditions such as having completed rehabilitation. These provisions aim to ensure that financial aid reaches deserving candidates, while also maintaining certain standards of accountability.

Summary

House Bill 2887 proposes the establishment of the Texas Promise Scholarship Program, a system designed to offer financial assistance to eligible students attending participating public community colleges, technical institutes, and state colleges in Texas. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden of tuition and mandatory fees for low-income students pursuing associate degrees or certificate programs. By making higher education more accessible, the bill intends to increase enrollment and completion rates among community college students across the state.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 2887 focus on its eligibility criteria, particularly the restrictions based on prior convictions. Supporters argue that these conditions are necessary to promote responsible use of taxpayer funds, while critics contend that they may unjustly exclude potentially reformative individuals from pursuing higher education. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the program's sustainability and the extent to which it will be supported by state funding in the long term. Proponents believe the program will foster an inclusive educational environment and contribute to workforce development, while opponents raise questions about equity in access to educational opportunities.