Texas Senate Bill SB46

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Relating to education benefits at public institutions of higher education for certain survivors of public servants.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 54.354 of the Education Code, expanding the definition of eligible survivors to include specific criteria for registration and benefits. The law applies retroactively starting with fees charged for the spring 2022 semester, ensuring that survivors who qualify under the new definitions can benefit from previously incurred educational costs. The retroactive application allows families to obtain benefits they may not have been aware of at the time of the public servant's passing.

Summary

Senate Bill 46, also known as Caleb Rule's Law, aims to provide education benefits at public institutions of higher education to certain survivors of public servants. This bill specifically ensures that the surviving spouse or minor children of deceased public servants are eligible for these educational benefits, thereby facilitating their access to higher education opportunities. It places particular emphasis on minors, who must be under the age of 25 and, if not biological or adopted children of the deceased, must have been claimed as dependents in the prior tax year.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the intentions of SB46, discussions around funding and the potential administrative burden on higher education institutions have emerged. Some stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of funding these educational benefits and whether existing institutions can handle increased enrollment from eligible survivors. Additionally, the bill's definitions and eligibility criteria may require further clarification to mitigate any ambiguity that could affect application processes in the future.