Bill > SB186

This bill establishes the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to provide financial assistance for students with disabilities attending public higher education institutions. Eligible students must be Texas residents, enrolled in an associate, baccalaureate, or certificate program, and demonstrate a disability through specific criteria such as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), qualifying for vocational rehabilitation services, or completing a disability affidavit. Scholarships will cover tuition and mandatory fees, with the scholarship amount determined by available funds and the number of eligible applicants. Students must maintain at least one-quarter of a full course load, make satisfactory academic progress, and cannot have been convicted of certain felonies. The scholarship can be used for up to 75-150 semester credit hours depending on the program length, and eligibility expires after 4-8 years, depending on the program duration. School districts are required to notify students, teachers, and parents about the program. The bill mandates that scholarships will first be awarded in the 2026-2027 academic year, and it will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB186