TITLE: Relating to admission of and resident tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education for certain students in military-related programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to admission of and resident tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education for certain students in military-related programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to admission of and resident tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education for certain students in military-related programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 51.805, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: (c-1) In making an admissions decision, a senior military college or other general academic teaching institution that maintains a corps of cadets as a fraternal organization beyond training through a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program shall consider an applicant's intent to enlist in a branch of the United States armed forces or enroll in the corps of cadets. SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.224 to read as follows: Sec. 54.224. RESIDENT TUITION FOR STUDENTS IN MILITARY-RELATED PROGRAMS. (a) 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: (1) enrolled and in good standing in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program; (2) enrolled in a corps of cadets, including a corps of cadets at a senior military college; or (3) enrolled in a corps of midshipmen. (b) 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 this subchapter for purposes of a financial aid program offered by this state. SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies beginning with tuition and other fees charged for the 2025 fall semester. 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 4. 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.