By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 46

(In the Senate - Filed November 10, 2008; March 13, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on Higher Education; April 20, 2009, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; April 20, 2009, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 46 By: Zaffirini

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to tuition exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who volunteer for outreach 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 54.223 to read as follows:

Sec. 54.223. STUDENTS VOLUNTEERING FOR OUTREACH PROGRAMS. (a) The governing board of an institution of higher education may exempt from the payment of tuition and fees for one course offered by the institution per semester or other term any student enrolled in the institution who:

(1) is 55 years of age or older;

(2) is a resident of this state for purposes of this title or entitled to pay tuition at the rate provided by this chapter for residents of this state; and

(3) serves as a volunteer for at least 10 hours per week or 40 hours per month for an outreach, mentoring, or recruitment program that is designed to assist or encourage:

(A) persons to be admitted to and attend institutions of higher education;

(B) students who are currently enrolled in institutions of higher education to complete their degree programs; or

(C) students who are enrolled in developmental coursework to successfully complete that coursework.

(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section.

SECTION 2. (a) Section 54.223, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with the 2010 spring semester.

(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt the initial rules required by Section 54.223, Education Code, as added by this Act.

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, 2009.

* * * * *