TITLE: Relating to the maximum number of semester credit hours allowed for and funding sources used to supplement a TEXAS grant.

SUMMARY: Relating to the maximum number of semester credit hours allowed for and funding sources used to supplement a TEXAS grant.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the maximum number of semester credit hours allowed for and funding sources used to supplement a TEXAS grant. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter M, Chapter 56, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 56.3051 to read as follows: Sec. 56.3051. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS. A person may not receive a TEXAS grant for more than the greater of: (1) 135 semester credit hours or the equivalent; or (2) 15 semester credit hours, or the equivalent, in addition to the number of credit hours needed to complete the student's degree program. SECTION 2. Section 56.307(j), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (j) A public institution of higher education shall use other available sources of financial aid, other than a loan or work study,to cover any difference in the amount of a TEXAS grant awarded to the student and the actual amount of tuition and required fees at the institution if the difference results from: (1) a reduction in the amount of a TEXAS grant under Subsection (i-1); or (2) a deficiency in the amount of the grant as established under Subsection (a) or (e), as applicable, to cover the full amount of tuition and required fees charged to the student by the institution. SECTION 3. Section 56.304(d), Education Code, is repealed. SECTION 4. The changes in law made by this Act apply beginning with initial or subsequent TEXAS grants awarded for the 2021 fall semester. Initial or subsequent TEXAS grants awarded for a semester or term before the 2021 fall semester are governed by the applicable law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. 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.