By: Carona S.B. No. 149
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 coordinating board [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.
1-25 COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO. 1
2-1 Amend SB 149 as follows:
2-2 Insert the following new section on page 1, line 24, between
2-3 Sections 1 and 2 and renumber all remaining sections:
2-4 SECTION 2. Section 61.227, Education Code, is amended to
2-5 read as follows:
2-6 Sec. 61.227. PAYMENT OF GRANT; AMOUNT. (a) On receipt of a
2-7 certification of the amount of financial need from an approved
2-8 institution, the coordinating board shall certify the amount of the
2-9 tuition equalization grant based on financial need but not to
2-10 exceed a grant amount of more than that specified in the
2-11 appropriation by the legislature, or more than the difference
2-12 between the tuition at the private institution attended and the
2-13 tuition at the public colleges and universities.
2-14 Uher