LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 74th Regular Session May 6, 1995 TO: Honorable Irma Rangel, Chair IN RE: Committee Substitute Committee on Higher Education for House of Representatives HouseBill No. Austin, Texas 3119 FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on House Bill No. 3119 (Relating to the exemption from dues, fees, and charges provided to a veteran or dependent of a veteran enrolled at a public institution of higher education) this office has determined the following: The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill would amend V.T.C.A., Education Code Section 54.203 (Hazlewood Act) to allow a student to receive federal educational benefits and still qualify for Hazlewood benefits (waived tuition and fees) if the federal benefit is less than the Hazlewood benefit. The bill would require federal benefits to be utilized first and the total combined benefit (federal plus Hazlewood) would not exceed the maximum value of the Hazlewood benefit. It is estimated that the bill would increase the number of participants in the Hazlewood program by five percent. For community colleges, it is estimated that 266 additional students would qualify each year and for universities, health-related institutions, and technical colleges, it is estimated that 207 additional students would qualify each year. However, new participants in the program are anticipated to receive less than the maximum tuition and fee waiver available due to the addition of federal benefits and the specified benefit cap. No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated. Source: Higher Education Coordinating Board LBB Staff: JK, MK, WRR