BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 96
By: Ellis
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The impact of tuition deregulation has been dramatic. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, tuition has increased statewide by 61 percent and by as much as 102 percent at The University of Texas at Austin. This increase has made it more and more difficult for Texas families to afford the rising cost of college. Texas A&M University recently announced that it will be raising the tuition by an additional 13 percent.
Skyrocketing tuition has all but crushed two incredibly popular and effective programs, the Texas Tomorrow Fund and the TEXAS Grants Program. Since tuition deregulation, the Texas Tomorrow Fund has all but ceased to exist. Meanwhile, over 66,000 students lost their TEXAS grant and with it, their chance to go to college.
As proposed, S.B. 96 requires the Legislative Oversight Committee to review tuition deregulation and submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2009, deciding whether to continue tuition deregulation.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. (a) Requires the Legislative Oversight Committee to review tuition deregulation and make recommendations to the 81st Legislature for its continuation or repeal. Requires the report to be submitted by January 1, 2009, to the legislature.
(b) Repealer, effective September 1, 2010: Section 54.0513 (Designated Tuition), Education Code.