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.