The bill, H.B. No. 299, mandates a study by the Legislative Budget Board to assess the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It introduces a new section, 322.0166, to the Government Code, which defines "institution of higher education" and outlines the objectives of the study. The study will evaluate the costs and benefits of potential legislative actions regarding tuition regulation, including the possibility of repealing the authority of institutions to set their own tuition rates. It aims to balance the affordability and accessibility of higher education with the need for institutions to generate sufficient revenue to maintain educational quality.

The study will include specific tasks such as recommending appropriate tuition rates, evaluating the impact of regulation on student access and financial aid, estimating potential revenue changes for institutions, and identifying funding sources to offset any projected revenue losses. The board is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026, and the section will expire on September 1, 2027. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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