79R8521 JRJ-D

By:  Oliveira                                                     H.B. No. 2185



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to tuition rates for Olympic athletes residing and 
training in Texas.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 54, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 54.073 to read as follows:
	Sec. 54.073.  TUITION RATES FOR OLYMPIC ATHLETES.  (a)  A 
person enrolled in an institution of higher education is entitled 
to pay tuition and fees at the rates provided for Texas residents if 
the person:
		(1)  is in residence and in training as a participating 
athlete in a Community Olympic Development Program or at a United 
States Olympic training center located in this state;
		(2)  is residing permanently or temporarily in this 
state while in training as a participating athlete:
			(A)  in a Community Olympic Development Program 
located in this state; or
			(B)  at a United States Olympic training center 
located in this state in a program approved by the governing body 
for the athlete's Olympic sport; or
		(3)  is residing permanently or temporarily in this 
state while in training as a participating athlete at a facility in 
this state approved by the governing body for the athlete's Olympic 
sport, in a program approved by that body.
	(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a person who is entitled 
to pay resident tuition and fees only as permitted by this section 
is not considered a Texas resident under this subchapter for 
purposes of a financial aid program offered by this state.
	SECTION 2.  Section 54.073, Education Code, as added by this 
Act, applies beginning with tuition and other fees charged for the 
2005 fall semester.  Tuition and other fees charged for an academic 
period before the 2005 fall semester are covered by the law in 
effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the 
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	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.