Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3908

Caption

Relating to the allocation of funds remaining in the B-On-Time student loan account following the abolition of that account.

Impact

The bill stipulates that any remaining funds in the Texas B-On-Time student loan account will be appropriated only to eligible academic institutions using a performance-based methodology. This allocation is based on a three-year average of the number of bachelor's degrees conferred on at-risk students. With this, the legislative intent is to ensure funds are directed efficiently to institutions that have underutilized the B-On-Time program, thus redirecting financial support to institutions that demonstrate a need for support for at-risk populations.

Summary

House Bill 3908 addresses the allocation of funds remaining in the B-On-Time student loan account after the account's abolition. The bill provides clarity on how the funds, originally dedicated to the Texas B-On-Time student loan program, will be utilized once the program is no longer in effect. This involves amending existing education codes to indicate that funds will continue to live on but will serve a different purpose than initially intended, emphasizing a transition for future funding mechanisms.

Contention

Discussions around HB 3908 reflect both support and controversy regarding fund allocation. One side of the debate emphasizes the necessity of continuing to provide support for at-risk students, ensuring that they have access to educational resources and opportunities. Conversely, there are concerns regarding the criteria for 'underutilization' and how it might affect institutions that serve larger at-risk populations. Critics worry that the bill might unintentionally disadvantage some institutions that do not conform to the specific metrics set by the coordinating board for fund allocation.

Additional_notes

The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both legislative houses, illustrating the urgency perceived by some legislators to address student loan funding efficiency and effectiveness in Texas education.

Companion Bills

TX SB1504

Same As Relating to the abolition of the B-On-time student loan account and the allocation of funds remaining in that account.

Previously Filed As

TX SB36

Relating to the establishment and operation of the Texas B-On-time student loan program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2504

Relating to the award of scholarship money by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain accounting students.

TX SB951

Relating to the award of scholarship money by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain accounting students.

TX SB779

Relating to the use of scholarship money awarded by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain fifth-year accounting students.

TX HB2217

Relating to the regulation of the practice of public accountancy.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

TX SB532

Relating to providing mental health services information to certain higher education students and to the repayment of certain higher education loans.

TX HB4005

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB462

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.