H.B. No. 290 aims to enhance financial assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces. The bill amends existing provisions in the Education Code and Government Code to increase the maximum number of semester credit hours eligible for tuition exemption from 12 to 15. Additionally, it allows for the exemption of all mandatory fees for any semester or term in which the tuition exemption is granted. The bill also modifies the number of assistance awards available to members of the Texas State Guard, increasing the cap from 30 to 45 per semester or term, unless a compelling need for additional awards is demonstrated.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that service members may receive assistance for tuition and mandatory fees for up to 15 semester credit hours in any semester or term, and limits the total assistance to seven academic years or 15 semesters or terms, whichever comes first. It requires the department to certify a list of eligible service members before each semester or term and authorizes grants to those attending private or independent institutions of higher education. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025 fall semester.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 54.345, Government Code 437.226 (Education Code 54, Government Code 437)