House Bill No. 1634 aims to enhance tuition and fee exemptions for students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. The bill amends Sections 54.366 and 54.367 of the Education Code to expand eligibility criteria for these exemptions, specifically for students who were in conservatorship on the day before their 18th birthday, during their high school graduation, or during specific periods of their educational journey. The bill also mandates outreach programs by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to ensure that students in grades 7 through 12 are informed about these exemptions, with a focus on providing informational materials to relevant caregivers and educational institutions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 54.3671, which establishes a streamlined eligibility determination and application process for these tuition exemptions. This process is designed to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate electronic applications for students. The changes in law will take effect starting with tuition and fees charged for the fall semester of 2025, while previous regulations will remain in effect for terms before that date. The bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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