By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 774
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to exemptions for disabled peace officers from the payment
  of tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subsection (a), Section 54.2041, Education Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The governing board of an institution of higher
  education shall [may] exempt a student from the 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.  The change in law made by this Act applies to an
  exemption from tuition and fees beginning with the 2011 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, 2011.