SRC-AAA S.B. 1788 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1788 By: Cain Finance 4-18-97 As Filed DIGEST A peace officer may become permanently disabled in performing his or her duties. Some officers are not able to continue employment as a peace officer. In these cases, an officer may not have the educational background or needed experience for obtaining employment in another field. This bill would allow eligible disabled peace officers a tuition exemption to attend state-supported institutions of higher education. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1788 allows eligible disabled peace officers a tuition exemption at attend statesupported institutions of higher education. 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 Chapter 54D, Education Code, by adding Section 54.2041, as follows: Sec. 54.2041. DISABLED PEACE OFFICERS. Sets forth requirements for exempting certain students who are permanently disabled as a result of an injury suffered during performance of a duty as a peace officer. Requires the legislature to account for the rates of tuition and fees authorized by Subsection (a) in a way that does not increase the general revenue appropriations to that institution. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the fall semester, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.