Texas House Bill HB588

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The bill stipulates specific eligibility criteria for students seeking grants under the program. To qualify, students must be residents of Texas, enrolled in a qualifying institution for at least half of a standard course load, and must have sought any other available financial aid. Additionally, applicants with prior felony convictions related to controlled substances may have their eligibility restored based on certain conditions, which may raise discussions around second chances in higher education access.

Summary

House Bill 588 establishes the Texas Promise Grant Program, aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible students attending two-year public institutions of higher education in Texas. The primary objective of this program is to alleviate the financial burdens associated with tuition and mandatory fees for students enrolled in associate degree and certificate programs at public junior colleges and state colleges. The program is set to be managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which will also outline the rules and criteria for eligibility and disbursement of grants.

Contention

Notably, the legislation includes provisions that students cannot receive grants if they have been convicted of felonies or specific drug offenses unless they have fulfilled rehabilitation requirements. Critics may argue that this could unfairly limit opportunities for individuals who have faced legal challenges in the past. Furthermore, the implications of limiting grants to those who have not previously obtained degrees or completed a significant number of credit hours can be contentious, possibly excluding a segment of the population that may need educational support to re-enter the educational system.

Additional_info

Overall, House Bill 588 promotes increased access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students while also implementing safeguards regarding eligibility and grant management. Its success will depend on effective administration by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the responsiveness of the system to the needs of potential grant recipients.