SRC-MWN H.B. 2279 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2279
77R5913 KEL-DBy: Naishtat (Barrientos)
Education
5/8/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a student who is eligible for a tuition and fee
exemption at an institution of higher education because the student
received financial aid under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
must enroll in an institution no later than the first anniversary of
graduation from a Texas public school to receive the exemption. However,
many students may need longer than one year after high school graduation to
decide whether or not to attend an institution, take any necessary tests,
apply, and be accepted by the institution. H.B. 2279 extends the time limit
that an eligible student has to enroll in an institution, from the one-year
anniversary to the two-year anniversary of high school graduation, to
receive the tuition and fee exemption.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.212, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 54.212. ONE-YEAR EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN TANF STUDENTS. Provides that a
student is exempt from the payment of tuition and fees authorized by this
chapter for the first academic year in which the student enrolls at an
institution of higher education if the student meets certain conditions. 

SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law by this Act applies beginning
with tuition and fees charged for the 2001 fall semester. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.