SRC-AAA H.B. 2159 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2159 By: Uher (Patterson) Finance 4-28-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the cost of attending Texas public colleges is reasonable. However, Texas residents who have lived and paid taxes in Texas for many years, but who have left the state for a job transfer, for instance, may want to send their children to Texas schools, but are unable to do so because of the high cost of out-of-state tuition. There is currently a window of opportunity for in-state tuition rates for Texas residents who have lived outside the state for less than one year. This bill extends the window from one year to five years if the student's guardian has lived in Texas previously for 10 years or more. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1280 extends the window for paying in-state tuition from one year to five years if the student's guardian has lived in Texas previously for 10 years or more. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.055, Education Code, to provide that a dependent whose parent or guardian was a resident of this state for a period of 10 or more consecutive years that ended not more than five years before the date a semester or other term begins at a state-supported institution of higher education is eligible to pay resident tuition and fees for that term or semester. Sets forth provision for an individual eligible to pay resident tuition and fees. Defines "guardian." SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with tuition and fees charged for the 1997 fall semester. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.