TITLE: Relating to certain requirements for a public institution of higher education policy requiring students to reside on campus.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain requirements for a public institution of higher education policy requiring students to reside on campus.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain requirements for a public institution of higher education policy requiring students to reside on campus. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.979 to read as follows: Sec. 51.979. POLICY REQUIRING STUDENTS TO RESIDE ON CAMPUS. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (b) If an institution of higher education adopts a policy requiring a student to reside for any period of time on the institution's campus, the policy must: (1) allow a student to qualify for an exemption from that requirement on demonstration that: (A) the cost for the student to reside off campus is less than the cost to reside on campus during that period; and (B) the student is unable to afford the cost to reside on campus without incurring debt; and (2) prescribe the procedure and documentation required for a student to demonstrate qualification for the exemption. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year. 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.