Texas Senate Bill SB753

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the amount of a fee charged by a public institution of higher education for late payment of student housing costs.

Impact

The enactment of SB753 is expected to have significant implications for both students and public higher education institutions. By placing a limit on late fees, the bill aims to improve affordability for students, ensuring that excessive penalties do not exacerbate their financial struggles. This measure aligns with broader initiatives to promote access to higher education and reduce barriers that students face, particularly those of lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Summary

Senate Bill 753 seeks to impose a cap on fees charged by public institutions of higher education in Texas for late payment of student housing costs. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no institution may charge students more than five percent of the total housing costs incurred for a semester or term when payments are made late. This legislative measure is designed to enhance the financial burden alleviation for students experiencing difficulties in meeting their housing payment deadlines.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards enhancing student financial well-being, there may be concerns voiced by some educational institutions regarding the financial implications of this fee limitation. Institutions dependent on late fees to manage cash flows may argue that such caps could weaken their financial viability. Moreover, there might be discussions around the need for alternative funding strategies to cover potential revenue losses arising from this legislative change.