BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 774

82R7757  KYF-D

By: Zaffirini

 

Higher Education

 

5/2/2011

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Generally, this bill would make mandatory the exemption provided to disabled peace officers.

 

As proposed, S.B. 774 amends current law relating to exemptions for disabled peace officers from the payment of tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education.

 

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 Section 54.2041(a), Education Code, as follows:

 

(a) Requires the governing board of an institution of higher education to exempt a student from payment of tuition and fees, rather than authorizes the governing board of an institution of higher education to exempt a student from payment of tuition and required fees authorized by this chapter, for a course for which space is available if the student:

 

(1) is a resident of this state and has resided in this state for the 12 months immediately preceding the beginning of the semester or session for which an exemption is sought;

 

(2) is permanently disabled as a result of an injury suffered during the performance of a duty as a peace officer of this state or a political subdivision of this state; and

 

(3) is unable to continue employment as a peace officer because of the disability.

 

SECTION 2.  Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies to an exemption from tuition and fees beginning with the 2011 fall semester.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.