Bill > HB1634

This bill expands tuition and fee exemptions for students who were previously under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill modifies existing education code to broaden eligibility for these exemptions, including students who were in DFPS conservatorship at various points such as before their 18th birthday, on or after their 14th birthday if eligible for adoption, on the day of high school graduation, or on the date of adoption or permanent managing conservatorship. The bill also extends outreach efforts to ensure students in grades 7-12 (previously limited to grades 9-12) are aware of these tuition exemptions, requiring informational materials to be provided to residential child-care facilities, foster parents, adoptive parents, and various types of schools. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and DFPS to create a streamlined, electronic application process that reduces administrative burden and automatically submits documentation to higher education institutions for eligible students. The changes will take effect for the fall 2025 semester, and the bill becomes law either immediately with a two-thirds vote in the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the required immediate vote.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1634