TITLE: Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.

SUMMARY: Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.220 to read as follows: Sec. 54.220. EXEMPTION FOR LOWER-DIVISION STUDENTS AT CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. (a) An entering freshman student enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University is entitled to a refund of tuition and required fees paid by the student under this chapter for the first semester or term for which the student enrolls at that university if the student: (1) graduated from a private high school, including a home school, or public high school in this state; (2) is classified as a Texas resident under Subchapter B; and (3) for all courses attempted that initial semester or term earns a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a four-point scale or the equivalent. (b) To receive a refund under Subsection (a), the student must apply to the university in the manner required by the university not later than the first anniversary of the last class day of the semester or term. (c) A student enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University is exempt from the payment of tuition and required fees authorized by this chapter for a semester or term of the student's first two academic years, other than a semester or term described by Subsection (a), at that university if the student: (1) graduated from a private high school, including a home school, or public high school in this state; (2) is classified as a Texas resident under Subchapter B; and (3) maintains an overall grade-point average of at least 2.0 on a four-point scale or the equivalent for all prior coursework attempted at the university. (d) A student receiving an exemption under this section for one or more semesters or terms may not enroll for the student's third academic year at the university until the student passes an examination to be selected and administered by the university for that purpose. (e) A university to which this section applies may fund tuition and fee refunds and exemptions under this section from local funds or from funds appropriated to the university. The university may but is not required to provide tuition and fee refunds or exemptions beyond those funded through state appropriations specifically designated for this purpose. (f) A person may not receive a refund or exemption under this section for a semester or term that begins after the 2044-2045 academic year. This section expires September 1, 2046. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with tuition and fees charged for the 2025 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.