Texas Senate Bill SB143

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, SB 143 will modify existing laws regarding tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Texas. By applying this limit, the bill aims to ensure that students do not face exorbitant increases in tuition which can deter enrollment and diminish access to higher education. It emphasizes the intent of the legislature to guarantee affordability while promoting educational excellence and successful graduation rates across institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 143 proposes a limitation on the amount of tuition that public institutions of higher education can charge students. Specifically, it sets that total tuition for any student in a given academic year cannot exceed the amount charged to similarly situated students during the 2019-2020 academic year. This is intended to maintain tuition fees at a reasonable level and protect students from significant tuition hikes, especially during their academic journeys.

Contention

While the bill has been framed as a positive move toward enhancing the affordability of higher education, discussions surrounding it may raise concerns about its potential implications for the financial sustainability of institutions. Critics argue that with strict tuition caps, schools may struggle to maintain their operational funding, thereby impacting educational quality and growth. The balance between tuition affordability and institutional needs remains a point of debate among stakeholders.