Bill > HB160

This bill modifies Texas state law regarding resident status and tuition rates for students in public higher education institutions, with a primary focus on students who are not authorized to be present in the United States. The bill makes several key changes: it eliminates a previous provision that allowed certain undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools to qualify for in-state tuition rates, explicitly stating that individuals not authorized to be present in the United States cannot be considered state residents for tuition purposes. The bill requires institutions of higher education to reclassify students who were previously classified as residents if they are not legally authorized to be in the country, and mandates that if an institution discovers a student is not legally present in the United States, they must immediately notify campus police or local law enforcement. Additionally, the bill changes language from "may" to "shall" in several sections, making certain actions mandatory for institutions, such as reclassifying students and charging appropriate tuition rates. The changes will take effect for the fall 2025 semester, giving institutions time to adjust their policies and procedures. The bill aims to tighten restrictions on tuition eligibility for undocumented students and create more stringent reporting requirements for higher education institutions.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB160