The bill, introduced by Senator Menendez, aims to enhance awareness and accessibility of tuition and fee exemptions for students who are or have been in foster or other residential care. It amends Sections 54.366 and 54.367 of the Education Code to require the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop outreach programs targeting students in grades 9 through 12. These programs will provide informational materials about the exemptions to residential child-care facilities, foster parents, and educational institutions. The language in the bill updates the grade range from "9-12" to "9 through 12" and specifies the inclusion of various stakeholders in the outreach efforts.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 54.3671, which mandates the creation of a streamlined eligibility determination and application process for these tuition exemptions. This process is designed to reduce administrative burdens on both the Department of Family and Protective Services and the students, allowing for electronic applications and automatic submission of eligibility documentation to higher education institutions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 54.366, Education Code 54.367 (Education Code 54)