Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB299

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will not only analyze the current tuition setting practices but will also investigate equity in access to higher education for disadvantaged or underrepresented groups among Texan students. It will assess how changes in tuition regulations might affect enrollment, financial aid, and the overall financial burden on students, including student loan debt. A crucial element will be providing recommendations for legislative action based on the findings, which must be submitted by December 1, 2026.

Summary

House Bill 299 (HB299) proposes a study by the Legislative Budget Board to examine the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates charged by public institutions of higher education in Texas. It aims to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of imposing regulations that could alter the current authority of these institutions to set their own tuition rates. The study is supposed to explore various factors that relate to affordability and accessibility in education while maintaining the financial needs of these institutions to provide quality education.

Contention

Notably, the bill acknowledges the financial implications that regulatory actions might have on the revenue stream for educational institutions. If the study indicates that regulating tuition could lead to a loss of revenue, it is tasked with identifying alternative funding sources, such as institutional endowments, to mitigate the impact. This aspect may stir discussions about the sustainability of finance models in higher education amid potential regulatory changes, highlighting the balance between affordability for students and operational viability for institutions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 322. Legislative Budget Board
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.

CA AB1341

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA SB1433

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB2341

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: out-of-state public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1160

Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act.