free tuition for former foster kids in transition programs

The text as introduced · 345 words

89R12754 JTZ-D

By: Garcia of Bexar
H.B. No. 5063

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to tuition and fee exemptions for former foster children

with intellectual disabilities to attend comprehensive transition

and postsecondary programs at a public institution of higher

education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 54.2002, Education Code, is amended to

read as follows:

Sec. 54.2002. EXEMPTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR STATE-FUNDED

COURSES ONLY. (a) Notwithstanding any other law and subject to

Subsection (b) , a mandatory or discretionary exemption or waiver

from the payment of tuition or other fees under this subchapter or

another provision of this code applies only to courses for which an

institution of higher education receives formula funding.

(b) This section does not apply to an exemption for certain

students from the payment of tuition and fees for a comprehensive

transition and postsecondary program under Section 54.366(a-1) or

54.367(a-1).

SECTION 2. Section 54.366, Education Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) A student described by Subsection (a) who is a student

with an intellectual disability, as defined by 20 U.S.C. Section

1140, is exempt from the payment of tuition and fees authorized by

this chapter for a comprehensive transition and postsecondary

program, as defined by that section.

SECTION 3. Section 54.367, Education Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) A student described by Subsection (a) who has an

intellectual disability, as defined by 20 U.S.C. Section 1140, is

exempt from the payment of tuition and fees authorized by this

chapter for a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program,

as defined by that section.

SECTION 4. The changes in law made by this Act apply

beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.

SECTION 5. 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, 2025.