BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5646
	By: Wilson (Hall)
	Veteran Affairs
	5/22/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 5646 amends current law relating to resident tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education for certain students in military-related programs.

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 Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Education Code, by adding Section 54.224, as follows:

Sec. 54.224. RESIDENT TUITION FOR STUDENTS IN MILITARY-RELATED PROGRAMS. (a) Provides that a person enrolled at an institution of higher education is entitled to pay tuition and fees at the rates provided for Texas residents if the person is enrolled and in good standing in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, enrolled in a corps of cadets, including a corps of cadets at a senior military college, or enrolled in a corps of midshipmen.

(b) Provides that, 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 Subchapter D (Waivers, Exemptions, and Other Tuition and Fee Benefits) for purposes of a financial aid program offered by this state.

SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies beginning with tuition and other fees charged for the 2025 fall semester. Provides that tuition and other fees charged for an academic period before that 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. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.