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79R910 KSD-D

By:  Keel                                                         H.B. No. 1039



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an exemption from tuition and fees at institutions of 
higher education for peace officers and police cadets enrolled in 
certain law enforcement programs.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 54.2081 to read as follows:
	Sec. 54.2081.  PEACE OFFICERS AND POLICE CADETS ENROLLED IN 
LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS.  (a)  The governing board of an 
institution of higher education may exempt a student from the 
payment of tuition and required fees authorized by this chapter if 
the student:
		(1)  is enrolled in a law enforcement degree or 
certificate program at an institution of higher education;
		(2)  in the semester or term to which the exemption 
applies, is enrolled in one or more courses required to complete the 
degree or certificate program; and
		(3)  is employed:                                                      
			(A)  full-time as a peace officer for purposes of 
Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or
			(B)  as a police cadet by this state or a political 
subdivision of this state.
	(b)  A student may receive an exemption authorized by this 
section only for courses that are required to complete the law 
enforcement degree or certificate program in which the student is 
enrolled.
	(c)  A person must apply for an exemption authorized by this 
section in the manner provided by the governing board of the 
institution.  The governing board shall require an applicant for an 
exemption to submit satisfactory evidence that the applicant is 
eligible for the exemption.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with tuition and fees 
charged by an institution of higher education for the 2005 fall 
semester.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.