By Wise H.B. No. 140 77R228 QS-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to reimbursing veterans for the cost of required textbooks 1-3 and similar required course materials. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Chapter 56, Education Code, is amended by adding 1-6 Subchapter B to read as follows: 1-7 SUBCHAPTER B. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 1-8 Sec. 56.011. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS. 1-9 (a) Each institution of higher education shall establish a program 1-10 that reimburses students who receive a tuition exemption under 1-11 Section 54.203 for the cost of required textbooks and similar 1-12 required course materials. 1-13 (b) To receive a reimbursement, a student must apply for the 1-14 reimbursement and provide proof of the expenditures for which 1-15 reimbursement is sought. 1-16 (c) The coordinating board shall include funding for the 1-17 program in its funding formulas under Section 61.059. 1-18 SECTION 2. (a) This Act takes effect immediately and applies 1-19 beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year if it receives a vote of 1-20 two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by 1-21 Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. 1-22 (b) If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for 1-23 immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2001, and 1-24 applies beginning with the 2002-2003 academic year.