SRC-TJG S.B. 1787 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1787 By: Zaffirini Health & Human Services 4/10/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Transitional living programs have been developed to provide residential and other support services to homeless youths aged 16-21. Currently, certain individuals in foster care are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees at public institutions of higher learning. As proposed, S.B. 1787 extends the same exemption to certain individuals in transitional living programs. 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 Chapter 54D, Education Code, by adding Section 54.2115, as follows: Sec. 54.2115. TUITION EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PERSONS IN TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM. (a) Defines "transitional living program." (b) Provides that a person is exempt from the payment of tuition and required fees other than property deposit fees if the person meets certain requirements. (c) Requires each transitional living program in this state to provide current program information to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS) and update the information as necessary. Requires DPRS to maintain a record of each transitional living program in this state and to provide a list of the programs to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board not later than June 1 of each year. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2004 Spring Semester. Requires a public institution of higher education to adopt the standards for financial need as described by Section 54.2115, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than the 30th day after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.