The bill, H.B. No. 1105, proposes an exemption from tuition and laboratory fees for paramedics employed by political subdivisions of Texas who are enrolled in emergency medical services courses at public institutions of higher education. The new section, 54.3532, outlines specific conditions under which this exemption applies, including the requirement for students to maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the exemption in subsequent semesters. Additionally, the exemption does not cover certain fees, such as deposits for property care, and it specifies that institutions are not required to provide exemptions for distance education courses with high enrollment.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with adopting rules to govern the exemption process, including eligibility criteria and the maximum number of distance education courses that may be excluded from the exemption. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the fall semester of 2025, and any tuition and fees charged prior to that will be governed by existing law. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote for immediate effect; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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