The bill amends Section 54.341 of the Education Code to expand tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education to include the siblings of certain military personnel. Specifically, it allows exemptions for siblings of members of the armed forces who were killed in action, died while in service, are missing in action, or are permanently disabled due to service-related injuries. A new provision stipulates that a sibling can only qualify for this exemption if the military member does not have a spouse or child.

Additionally, the bill modifies the qualifications for exemptions by including siblings alongside spouses and children, while also clarifying that all must be classified as residents under Subchapter B at the time of registration. The changes will take effect starting with the tuition and fees charged for the fall semester of 2025, with prior terms remaining governed by the existing law. 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 54.341 (Education Code 54)