TITLE: Relating to the establishment of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

SUMMARY: Relating to the establishment of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the establishment of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Subchapter LL to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER LL. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Sec. 61.9851. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "STEM program" means a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program. Sec. 61.9852. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. (a) For purposes of Section 49-g(c-3), Article III, Texas Constitution, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Program is established to provide eligible students with scholarships to attend a STEM program at an institution of higher education. (b) The board shall establish and administer the scholarship program in accordance with this subchapter and board rules. Sec. 61.9853. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To receive an initial scholarship under this subchapter, a student must: (1) be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States; (2) be a Texas resident under Section 54.052; (3) enroll in a STEM program at an institution of higher education; and (4) comply with any other eligibility requirements established by board rule. (b) To continue to qualify for a scholarship under this subchapter, a student must: (1) remain enrolled in a STEM program at an institution of higher education; (2) make satisfactory academic progress as determined by board rule; and (3) comply with any other eligibility requirements established by board rule. Sec. 61.9854. AMOUNT; FUNDING. From funds retained as general revenue under Section 49-g(c-3), Article III, Texas Constitution, and appropriated for that purpose and from any other available funds, the board shall award scholarships in an amount determined by board rule to eligible students under the scholarship program. SECTION 2. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall begin awarding scholarships under Subchapter LL, Chapter 61, Education Code, as added by this Act, for the first academic year for which money is appropriated for that purpose, except that the coordinating board may not award scholarships under that subchapter for an academic year before the 2023-2024 academic year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2022, but only if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, to reduce the allocation of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization fund and to use that revenue for certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scholarships is approved by the voters.