87R286 KJE-D
By: Middleton, Huberty H.B. No. 2279
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain requirements for a public institution of higher
education policy requiring students to reside on campus.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.979 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.979. POLICY REQUIRING STUDENTS TO RESIDE ON CAMPUS.
(a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the
meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) If an institution of higher education adopts a policy
requiring a student to reside for any period of time on the
institution's campus, the policy must:
(1) allow a student to qualify for an exemption from
that requirement on demonstration that:
(A) the cost for the student to reside off campus
is less than the cost to reside on campus during that period; and
(B) the student is unable to afford the cost to
reside on campus without incurring debt; and
(2) prescribe the procedure and documentation
required for a student to demonstrate qualification for the
exemption.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
academic year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.