By Hunter                                              H.B. No. 488
         77R1974 QS-F                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the colleges and universities eligible to participate
 1-3     in the tuition equalization grant program.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Sections 61.221 and 61.222, Education Code, are
 1-6     amended to read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 61.221.  TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANTS AUTHORIZED. In
 1-8     order to provide the maximum possible utilization of existing
 1-9     educational resources and facilities within this state, both public
1-10     and private, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board[, Texas
1-11     College and University System,] is authorized to provide tuition
1-12     equalization grants to Texas residents enrolled in any approved
1-13     private Texas college or university, based on student financial
1-14     need, but not to exceed a grant amount of more than that specified
1-15     in the appropriation by the legislature.
1-16           Sec. 61.222.  APPROVED INSTITUTIONS. The coordinating board
1-17     shall approve only those private or independent colleges or[,]
1-18     universities that are private or independent institutions of higher
1-19     education as defined by Section 61.003 or[, associations, agencies,
1-20     institutions, and facilities as] are located within this state
1-21     and[, which] meet the same program standards and accreditation as
1-22     [comparable to] public institutions of higher education as
1-23     determined by the board.
1-24           SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.