TITLE: Relating to tuition and fees exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain dual credit students considering a teaching career.

SUMMARY: Relating to tuition and fees exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain dual credit students considering a teaching career.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to tuition and fees exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain dual credit students considering a teaching career. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 54.363, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 54.363. GROW YOUR OWN EDUCATOR EXEMPTION [EDUCATIONAL AIDES].SECTION 2. Section 54.363, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (b), (c), and (c-1) and adding Subsection (c-2) to read as follows: (b) The governing board of an institution of higher education shall exempt an eligible educational aide or high school student from the payment of tuition and fees, other than class or laboratory fees. (c) To be eligible for an exemption under this section as an educational aide,a person must: (1) be a resident of this state; (2) be a school employee serving in any capacity; (3) for the initial term or semester for which the person receives an exemption under this section, have worked as an educational aide for at least one school year during the five years preceding that term or semester; (4) establish financial need as determined by coordinating board rule; (5) be enrolled at the institution of higher education granting the exemption in courses required for teacher certification in one or more subject areas determined by the Texas Education Agency to be experiencing a critical shortage of teachers at the public schools in this state; (6) maintain an acceptable grade point average as determined by coordinating board rule; and (7) comply with any other requirements adopted by the coordinating board under this section. (c-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(5), a person who previously received a tuition exemption under this section as an educational aide remains eligible for an exemption if the person: (1) is enrolled at an institution of higher education granting the exemption in courses required for teacher certification; and (2) meets the eligibility requirements in Subsection (c) other than Subsection (c)(5). (c-2) To be eligible for an exemption under this section as a high school student, a person must: (1) be enrolled at a public high school in dual credit courses under Section 28.009 offered through the institution of higher education granting the exception; (2) be a member of a future teacher association; and (3) comply with any other requirements adopted by the coordinating board under this section. SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt or amend rules to implement Section 54.363, Education Code, as amended by this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.