reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter J. Minority Doctoral Incentive Program › Section 56.169. Loan Suspension and Forgiveness

Sec. 56.169.  LOAN SUSPENSION AND FORGIVENESS.  (a)  A loan recipient is eligible for suspension and forgiveness of the recipient's loan if, after the recipient obtains a doctorate, the recipient is employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.
(b)  In accordance with Subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section, the board shall suspend the accrual of interest and forgive the repayment of a loan made to an eligible recipient.
(c)  The board shall suspend the accrual of interest and the repayment of principal and interest on an eligible recipient's loan until the recipient is not employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.
(d)  The board shall forgive the repayment of 20 percent of the unpaid principal balance and all accrued interest of an eligible recipient's loan for each academic year of service by the recipient as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.
(e)  A loan to an eligible recipient is repayable under the terms of Section 56.166 of this code beginning with the first day of the seventh month after the date on which the recipient discontinues full-time study and is not employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution and must be repaid in full not later than the 10th anniversary of the date on which the loan becomes repayable.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter J. Minority Doctoral Incentive Program › Section 56.170. Conditional Guaranty

Sec. 56.170.  CONDITIONAL GUARANTY.  A conditional guaranty of a loan under Section 56.165(a) of this code must provide that the board shall repay the lending institution to which the guaranty is executed the amount of the loan that the board would be required to forgive under Section 56.169 of this code if the loan had been made by the board.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter J. Minority Doctoral Incentive Program › Section 56.171. Funding

Sec. 56.171.  FUNDING.  (a)  The board may accept gifts and grants from a public or private source for the program.
(b)  Gifts, grants, and other funds appropriated by the legislature may be used for the program.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.221. Definitions

Sec. 56.221.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)  "Eligible institution" means an institution of higher education, as that term is defined by Section 61.003.
(3)  "Program" means the Texas First Scholarship Program.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 265 (S.B. 2294), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 378 (H.B. 8), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.222. Purpose

Sec. 56.222.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of the program, in conjunction with the Texas Early High School Completion Program established under Section 28.0253, is to promote efficiency in the state public education system and incentivize the enrollment of high performing students at eligible institutions.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.223. Eligibility

Sec. 56.223.  ELIGIBILITY.  To be eligible for an award under the program, a student must:
(1)  be a resident of this state as determined by coordinating board rules;
(2)  have graduated early from high school under the Texas First Early High School Completion Program established under Section 28.0253; and
(3)  comply with Section 28.0256.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.224. Entitlement; Calculation of Aid; Expiration

Sec. 56.224.  ENTITLEMENT; CALCULATION OF AID; EXPIRATION.  (a)  The coordinating board shall award to each eligible student state credit in an amount equal to:
(1)  for a student who graduated from high school two or more semesters or the equivalent earlier than the student's high school cohort, the maximum annual TEXAS grant award determined by the coordinating board for the applicable academic year under Section 56.307; or
(2)  for a student who graduated from high school less than two semesters or the equivalent earlier than the student's high school cohort, half of the amount described by Subdivision (1).
(b)  The amount of state credit awarded to a student under the program may not be considered in the calculation of any state or institutional need-based aid awards or the calculation of the student's overall financial need, unless the combination of the credit and other federal, state, and institutional financial aid for which the student would otherwise be eligible exceeds the estimated total cost of attendance at the eligible institution at which the student is enrolled.
(c)  The coordinating board shall issue to the student a certificate indicating the amount of the state credit awarded under this section.
(d)  State credit awarded to a student under this section expires at the end of the first academic year following the student's graduation from high school.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.225. Application of Scholarship

Sec. 56.225.  APPLICATION OF SCHOLARSHIP.  On enrollment of an eligible student at an eligible institution, the institution shall apply to the student's charges for tuition, mandatory fees, and other costs of attendance for the enrollment period an amount equal to the lesser of:
(1)  the amount of the state credit awarded to the student under Section 56.224; or
(2)  the student's actual tuition, mandatory fees, and other costs of attendance at the institution.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.226. Payment of State Credit

Sec. 56.226.  PAYMENT OF STATE CREDIT.  (a)  At least once each year, the coordinating board shall submit to the commissioner of education a report on state credit awarded under the program during the preceding academic year.  The report must include:
(1)  the name of each student who used the state credit during that academic year;
(2)  the school district or open-enrollment charter school from which each student graduated from high school; and
(3)  the amount of the state credit used by each student during that academic year.
(b)  As soon as practicable after receipt of the report under Subsection (a), the commissioner of education shall transfer to the coordinating board an amount of funds equal to the total amount by which school district and open-enrollment charter school entitlements are reduced under Section 48.2642(b).
(c)  As soon as practicable after receipt of funds transferred under Subsection (b), the coordinating board shall distribute to each eligible institution an amount of funds equal to the amount of state credit applied by the institution under Section 56.225 during the preceding academic year.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter K. -1. Texas First Scholarship Program › Section 56.227. Rules

Sec. 56.227.  RULES.  The coordinating board may adopt rules necessary to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1888), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.241. Definition

Sec. 56.241.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "general academic teaching institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.242. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program

Sec. 56.242.  STUDENT ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.  The Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program is an optional state grant program for all general academic teaching institutions.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.243. Election to Participate

Sec. 56.243.  ELECTION TO PARTICIPATE.  A general academic teaching institution may elect to participate in the Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program.  For the institution to make the election, the student government of the institution must determine by official action that the program would benefit the institution.  If the student government determines that the program would benefit the institution, in a general election called for that purpose a majority of the students of the institution voting in the election must approve an additional fee and the potential matching grant from the state.  If the majority approves the additional fee and potential matching grant from the state, the governing board of the institution shall impose and decide the structure of the additional fee.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 555 (S.B. 1417), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.244. Types of Scholarships; Internship

Sec. 56.244.  TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS;  INTERNSHIP.  A general academic teaching institution shall provide financial assistance under this subchapter through scholarships based on leadership, financial need, and academic achievement and through an internship program.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.245. Eligibility

Sec. 56.245.  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  With the assistance of an advisory committee established by the governing board, the governing board of the general academic teaching institution shall:
(1)  determine the eligibility requirements for scholarships or internship funding;  and
(2)  select students to receive the scholarships or internship funding.
(b)  A student is not eligible for a student endowment scholarship or student endowment internship funding if the student is on disciplinary or academic probation or if the student is not enrolled at the institution.
(c)  The institution may provide financial assistance under this subchapter to students in any field or major designated by the institution.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.246. Amount of Scholarship or Internship Funding

Sec. 56.246.  AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP OR INTERNSHIP FUNDING.  (a)   The amount of a student endowment scholarship may not exceed the amount of tuition and required fees that a student would be charged by the institution.
(b)  The amount of student endowment internship funding may not exceed the amount of tuition and required fees that a student would be charged by the institution during the student's period of internship.
(c)  On receipt of a scholarship or internship funding under this subchapter, a student must comply with any applicable conditions of the scholarship or internship funding.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 555 (S.B. 1417), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter L. Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program › Section 56.247. Student Endowment Fund

Sec. 56.247.  STUDENT ENDOWMENT FUND.  (a)  Each institution shall establish a student endowment fund consisting of the revenue from the additional student fee and the interest and other income from investment of the fund.  The fund shall be invested by the governing board in accordance with the policies governing investment of other funds held and invested by the board on behalf of the institution.
(b)  Scholarships and internships shall be paid from the fund, subject to the requirements of this section and Section 56.246.
(c)  Scholarships and internships may be paid from both the income and the principal of the fund, except that after the first five-year period after the date the fund is established, not more than five percent of the principal of the fund may be expended for scholarships and internships for any year.
(d)  For purposes of this section, five percent of the capital gains for any year from investment of the fund is considered income.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 555 (S.B. 1417), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.301. Definitions

Sec. 56.301.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)  "Eligible institution" means a general academic teaching institution or a medical and dental unit that offers one or more undergraduate degree or certification programs.  The term does not include a public state college.
(3)  "General academic teaching institution," "institution of higher education," "medical and dental unit," "public junior college," "public state college," and "public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1155 (S.B. 215), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.302. Program Name; Purpose

Sec. 56.302.  PROGRAM NAME;  PURPOSE.  (a)  Except as provided under Section 56.310(c), the student financial assistance program authorized by this subchapter is known as the Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success (TEXAS) grant program, and an individual grant awarded under this subchapter is known as a TEXAS grant.
(b)  The purpose of this subchapter is to provide a grant of money to enable eligible students to attend eligible institutions in this state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91 (S.B. 1303), Sec. 7.015, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1155 (S.B. 215), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.3045. Tolling of Eligibility for Initial Award

Sec. 56.3045.  TOLLING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INITIAL AWARD.  (a)  This section applies only to a person who:
(1)  was eligible to receive an initial TEXAS grant in an academic year for which sufficient money was not available through legislative appropriations to allow the coordinating board to award initial TEXAS grants to at least 10 percent of the persons eligible for initial TEXAS grants in that year, as determined by the coordinating board;
(2)  has not previously been awarded a TEXAS grant; and
(3)  has not received a baccalaureate degree.
(b)  Provided that the person meets the requirements described by Section 56.305(a), a person to whom this section applies is eligible to receive an initial TEXAS grant in any academic year in which funding is sufficient to award initial TEXAS grants to eligible applicants for that year.  The person's eligibility for an initial TEXAS grant under this section is not affected by:
(1)  the period for which the person has been enrolled at an eligible institution; or
(2)  any statutory changes to the eligibility requirements for initial TEXAS grants that are enacted after the person first established eligibility for an initial TEXAS grant as described by Subsection (a)(1).
(c)  A person who is eligible for an initial TEXAS grant under this section is entitled to the highest priority as described by Section 56.303(f) if the person was entitled to that priority when the person first established eligibility for an initial TEXAS grant as described by Subsection (a)(1).
(d)  A person who receives an initial TEXAS grant under this section:
(1)  may receive subsequent TEXAS grants as provided by Section 56.305; and
(2)  is not entitled to TEXAS grants for any previously completed academic year.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1197 (S.B. 28), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.306. Grant Use

Sec. 56.306.  GRANT USE.  A person receiving a TEXAS grant may use the money to pay any usual and customary cost of attendance at an eligible institution incurred by the student.  The institution may disburse all or part of the proceeds of a TEXAS grant directly to an eligible person only if the tuition and required fees incurred by the person at the institution have been paid.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1155 (S.B. 215), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.3071. Effect of Eligibility for Tuition Equalization Grant

Sec. 56.3071.  EFFECT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 56.307, the total amount of financial aid that a student enrolled in a private or independent institution of higher education is eligible to receive in a state fiscal year from TEXAS grants awarded under this subchapter may not exceed the maximum amount the student may receive in tuition equalization grants in that fiscal year as determined under Subchapter F, Chapter 61.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a student enrolled in a private or independent institution of higher education may not receive a TEXAS grant under this subchapter and a tuition equalization grant under Subchapter F, Chapter 61, for the same semester or other term, regardless of whether the student is otherwise eligible for both grants during that semester or term.  A student who but for this subsection would be awarded both a TEXAS grant and a tuition equalization grant for the same semester or other term is entitled to receive only the grant of the greater amount.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1230 (H.B. 1172), Sec. 8, eff. June 18, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.3075. Health Care Profession Student Grant

Sec. 56.3075.  HEALTH CARE PROFESSION STUDENT GRANT.  (a)  If the money available for TEXAS grants in a period for which grants are awarded is sufficient to provide grants to all eligible applicants in amounts specified by Section 56.307, the coordinating board may use any excess money available for TEXAS grants to award a grant in an amount not more than three times the amount that may be awarded under Section 56.307 to a student who:
(1)  is enrolled in a program that fulfills the educational requirements for licensure or certification by the state in a health care profession that the coordinating board, in consultation with the Texas Workforce Commission and the statewide health coordinating council, has identified as having a critical shortage in the number of license holders needed in this state;
(2)  has completed at least one-half of the work toward a degree or certificate that fulfills the educational requirement for licensure or certification; and
(3)  meets all the requirements to receive a grant award under Section 56.307.
(b)  In awarding a grant under Subsection (a), the coordinating board may:
(1)  give priority to students from a group underrepresented in the programs preparing students for licensure or certification by the state;  and
(2)  award different amounts based on the amount of course work a student has completed toward earning the degree required for licensure or certification.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 3, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.308. Notification of Program; Responsibilities of School Districts

Sec. 56.308.  NOTIFICATION OF PROGRAM;  RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS.  (a)  The coordinating board shall distribute to each eligible institution and to each school district a copy of the rules adopted under this subchapter.
(b)  Each school district shall:
(1)  notify its middle school students, junior high school students, and high school students, those students' teachers and school counselors, and those students' parents of the TEXAS grant, Teach for Texas grant, and Future Texas Teachers Scholarship programs, the eligibility requirements of each program, the need for students to make informed curriculum choices to be prepared for success beyond high school, and sources of information on higher education admissions and financial aid in a manner that assists the district in implementing a strategy adopted by the district under Section 11.252(a)(4); and
(2)  ensure that each student's official transcript or diploma indicates whether the student has completed or is on schedule to complete:
(A)  the recommended or advanced high school curriculum required for grant eligibility under Section 28.002 or 28.025; or
(B)  for a school district covered by Section 56.304(f)(1), the required portion of the recommended or advanced high school curriculum in the manner described by Section 56.304(f)(2).
(c)  The information required by Subsection (b)(2) must be included on a student's transcript not later than the end of the student's junior year.
(d)  In addition to the eligibility requirements of Section 56.304, a person who graduated from an accredited private high school is eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter only if the student's official transcript or diploma includes the information required as provided by Subsections (b)(2)(A) and (c).
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 5, eff. June 15, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 36, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 877 (H.B. 4363), Sec. 2, eff. June 13, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.310. Funding

Sec. 56.310.  FUNDING.  (a)  The coordinating board may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)  The legislature may appropriate money for the purposes of this subchapter.
(c)  In performing its duties under Subsection (a), the coordinating board may develop and implement an appropriate process for the naming and sponsoring of the program created under this subchapter, an individual grant awarded under this subchapter, or any item received by the coordinating board under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter M. Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (Texas) Grant Program › Section 56.311. Legislative Oversight Committee

Sec. 56.311.  LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.  (a)  The Legislative Oversight Committee on the TEXAS grant program and Teach for Texas grant program is composed of six members as follows:
(1)  three members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor;  and
(2)  three members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b)  The committee shall:
(1)  meet at least twice a year with the coordinating board;  and
(2)  receive information regarding rules relating to the TEXAS grant program and Teach for Texas grant program that have been adopted by the coordinating board or proposed for adoption by the coordinating board.
(c)  The committee may request reports and other information from the coordinating board relating to the operation of the TEXAS grant program and Teach for Texas grant program by the coordinating board.
(c-1)  Not later than September 1 of each year, the coordinating board shall provide a report to the committee regarding the operation of the TEXAS grant program, including information from the three preceding state fiscal years as follows:
(1)  allocations of TEXAS grants by eligible institution, disaggregated by initial and subsequent awards;
(2)  the number of TEXAS grants awarded to students disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and expected family contribution;
(3)  disaggregated as required by Subdivision (2) and reported both on a statewide basis and for each eligible institution, the number of TEXAS grants awarded to students who meet:
(A)  only the eligibility criteria described by Section 56.304; or
(B)  the eligibility criteria described by Section 56.3041(2)(A); and
(4)  the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of students receiving TEXAS grants.
(d)  The committee shall review the specific recommendations for legislation related to this subchapter that are proposed by the coordinating board.
(e)  The committee shall monitor the operation of the TEXAS grant program and Teach for Texas grant program, with emphasis on the manner of the award of grants, the number of grants awarded, and the educational progress made by persons who have received grants under those programs.
(f)  The committee shall file a report with the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives not later than December 31 of each even-numbered year.
(g)  The report shall include identification of any problems in the TEXAS grant program and Teach for Texas grant program with recommended solutions for the coordinating board and for legislative action.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 6, eff. June 15, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1197 (S.B. 28), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.351. Definition

Sec. 56.351.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.352. Purpose of Program; Loan Repayment Authorized

Sec. 56.352.  PURPOSE OF PROGRAM;  LOAN REPAYMENT AUTHORIZED.  (a)  The purpose of this subchapter is to attract to the teaching profession persons who have expressed interest in teaching and to support the employment of those persons as classroom teachers by providing student loan repayment assistance for service as a classroom teacher in the public schools of this state.
(b)  The coordinating board shall provide, in accordance with this subchapter and board rules, assistance in the repayment of eligible student loans for persons who apply and qualify for the assistance.
Redesignated from Sec. 56.309(a) and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.353. Eligibility

Sec. 56.353.  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)   Teach for Texas repayment assistance is available only to a person who applies for the assistance and who:
(1)  is certified in a teaching field identified by the commissioner of education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers in this state in the year in which the person receives the assistance and has for at least one year taught full-time at, and is currently teaching full-time at, the preschool, primary, or secondary level in a public school in this state in that teaching field;  or
(2)  is a certified educator who has for at least one year taught full-time at, and is currently teaching full-time at, the preschool, primary, or secondary level in a public school in this state in a community identified by the commissioner of education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers in the year in which the person receives the assistance.
(b)  The coordinating board in awarding repayment assistance shall give priority to applicants who demonstrate financial need.
(c)  If the money available for loan repayment assistance in a period for which assistance is awarded is insufficient to provide assistance to all eligible applicants described by Subsection (b), the coordinating board shall establish priorities for awarding repayment assistance to address the most critical teacher shortages described by Subsection (a).
(d)  A person may not receive loan repayment assistance for more than five years.
Redesignated from Sec. 56.309(b) and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.354. Eligible Loans

Sec. 56.354.  ELIGIBLE LOANS.  (a)  A person may receive Teach for Texas loan repayment assistance under this subchapter for the repayment of any student loan for education at any public or private institution of higher education through any lender.  If the loan is not a state or federal guaranteed student loan, the note or other writing governing the terms of the loan must require the loan proceeds to be used for expenses incurred by a person to attend a public or private institution of higher education.
(b)  The coordinating board may not provide loan repayment assistance for a student loan that is in default at the time of the person's application.
Redesignated from Sec. 56.309(d) and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.355. Payment of Assistance

Sec. 56.355.  PAYMENT OF ASSISTANCE.  (a)  The coordinating board may determine the manner in which Teach for Texas loan repayment assistance is to be paid.  The coordinating board may provide for the payment of a portion of the repayment assistance in one or more installments before the person completes a full year of service as a teacher and for the payment of the remainder of the repayment assistance for that year after the completion of the full year of service.
(b)  Loan repayment assistance received under this subchapter may be applied to the principal amount of the loan and to interest that accrues.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.3575. Administration; Rules

Sec. 56.3575.  ADMINISTRATION;  RULES.  (a)  The coordinating board shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter.
(b)  The coordinating board shall distribute a copy of the rules adopted under this section and pertinent information relating to this subchapter to each public or private institution of higher education in this state that offers an educator certification program, including an alternative educator certification program or another equivalent program.
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.358. Funding; Allocation of Funding

Sec. 56.358.  FUNDING;  ALLOCATION OF FUNDING.  (a)  The coordinating board may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source for the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)  The legislature may appropriate money for the purposes of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter O. Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program › Section 56.359. Grants and Service Agreements Entered Into Under Former Law; Saving Provision

Sec. 56.359.  GRANTS AND SERVICE AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO UNDER FORMER LAW;  SAVING PROVISION.  (a)  This section applies only to a person who was awarded a Teach for Texas grant and entered into a written agreement to perform service as a public school teacher in this state in order to receive the grant under this subchapter before September 1, 2003.
(b)  A person to whom this section applies may receive any unpaid installments of the grant as provided by the agreement and in accordance with this subchapter as it existed when the grant was awarded.  The agreement continues in effect and this subchapter, as it existed when the person entered into the agreement, is continued in effect for purposes of that agreement until the person satisfies all the conditions of the agreement or repays all amounts due under the agreement if the person does not satisfy the conditions of the agreement.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.401. Definitions

Sec. 56.401.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)  "Eligible institution" means:
(A)  a public junior college;
(B)  a public technical institute;  or
(C)  a public state college.
(3)  "Public junior college," "public technical institute," and "public state college" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.351 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.402. Program Name; Purpose

Sec. 56.402.  PROGRAM NAME;  PURPOSE.  (a)  The student financial assistance program authorized by this subchapter is known as the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program.
(b)  The purpose of this subchapter is to provide a grant of money to enable eligible students to attend two-year public institutions of higher education in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.352 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 39, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.403. Administration of Program

Sec. 56.403.  ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM.  (a)  The coordinating board shall administer the grant program and shall adopt any rules necessary to implement the grant program or this subchapter.  The coordinating board shall consult with the student financial aid officers of eligible institutions in developing the rules.
(b)  The coordinating board shall adopt rules to provide a grant under this subchapter to an eligible student enrolled in an eligible institution in a manner consistent with the administration of federal student financial aid programs.
(c)  The total amount of grants awarded under the grant program may not exceed the amount available for the program from appropriations, gifts, grants, or other funds.
(d)  In determining who should receive a grant under this subchapter, the coordinating board and the eligible institutions shall give highest priority to awarding grants to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.353 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.404. Initial Eligibility for Grant

Sec. 56.404.  INITIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT.  (a)  To be eligible initially for a grant under the grant program, a person must:
(1)  be a resident of this state as determined by coordinating board rules;
(2)  meet financial need requirements as defined by the coordinating board;
(3)  be enrolled in an associate degree or certificate program at an eligible institution;
(4)  be enrolled as an entering student for at least one-half of a full course load for an entering student in the associate degree or certificate program, as determined by the coordinating board;
(5)  have applied for any available financial aid or assistance; and
(6)  comply with any additional nonacademic requirement adopted by the coordinating board under this subchapter.
(b)  A person is not eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter if the person has been convicted of a felony or an offense under Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code (Texas Controlled Substances Act), or under the law of another jurisdiction involving a controlled substance as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, unless the person has met the other applicable eligibility requirements under this subchapter and has:
(1)  received a certificate of discharge by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a correctional facility or completed a period of probation ordered by a court and at least two years have elapsed from the date of the receipt or completion; or
(2)  been pardoned, had the record of the offense expunged from the person's record, or otherwise been released from the resulting ineligibility to receive a grant under this subchapter.
(c)  A person is not eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter if the person has been granted an associate or baccalaureate degree.
(d)  A person may not receive a grant under this subchapter for more than 75 semester credit hours or the equivalent.
(e)  A person may not receive a grant under this subchapter and a TEXAS grant under Subchapter M for the same semester or other term, regardless of whether the person is otherwise eligible for both grants during that semester or term. A person who but for this subsection would be awarded both a grant under this subchapter and a TEXAS grant for the same semester or other term is entitled to receive only the grant of the greater amount.
(f)  A person's eligibility for a grant under this subchapter ends on the fourth anniversary of the initial award of a grant under this subchapter to the person and the person's enrollment in an eligible institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.354 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 41, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1185 (H.B. 3577), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.406. Grant Use

Sec. 56.406.  GRANT USE.  A person receiving a grant under this subchapter may use the money to pay any usual and customary cost of attendance at an eligible institution incurred by the student.  The institution may disburse all or part of the proceeds of a grant under this subchapter to an eligible person only if the tuition and required fees incurred by the person at the institution have been paid.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.356 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 56 - Student Financial Assistance › Subchapter P. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program › Section 56.407. Grant Amount

Sec. 56.407.  GRANT AMOUNT.  (a)  The amount of a grant under this subchapter for a student enrolled full-time at an eligible institution is the amount determined by the coordinating board as the average statewide amount of tuition and required fees that a resident student enrolled full-time in an associate degree or certificate program would be charged for that semester or term at eligible institutions.
(b)  The coordinating board may adopt rules that allow the coordinating board to increase or decrease, in proportion to the number of semester credit hours in which a student is enrolled, the amount of a grant award under this section to a student who is enrolled in a number of semester credit hours in excess of or below the number of semester credit hours described in Section 56.404(a)(4) or 56.405(a)(3).
(c)  The amount of a grant under this subchapter may not be reduced by any gift aid for which the person receiving the grant is eligible, unless the total amount of a person's grant plus any gift aid received exceeds the total cost of attendance at an eligible institution.
(d)  Not later than January 31 of each year, the coordinating board shall publish the amounts of each grant established by the board for the academic year beginning the next fall semester.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1155, Sec. 62(5), eff. September 1, 2013.
(f)  An eligible institution may not:
(1)  charge a person attending the institution who also receives a grant under this subchapter an amount of tuition and required fees in excess of the amount of the grant under this subchapter received by the person; or
(2)  deny admission to or enrollment in the institution based on a person's eligibility to receive a grant under this subchapter or a person's receipt of a grant under this subchapter.
(g)  An institution may use other available sources of financial aid, other than a loan, to cover any difference in the amount of a grant under this subchapter and the actual amount of tuition and required fees at the institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.357 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(35), 3(9), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 44, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1155 (S.B. 215), Sec. 62(5), eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 378 (H.B. 8), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2023.