The bill, S.B. No. 1205, amends the Education Code and introduces new provisions regarding the eligibility of students for public education benefits based on their immigration status. It specifies that school districts may not use public funds to subsidize the education of students who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. Instead, these students must be charged tuition equivalent to the district's average cost of education for their grade level. Additionally, school districts are required to document the immigration status of these students and report it to the relevant agency. Violations of this provision would result in the school district losing access to certain state funding.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that individuals not lawfully present in the United States cannot be considered residents for the purposes of higher education benefits. It prohibits governmental entities from providing public benefits to such individuals, with the exception of emergency Medicaid services. The bill also allows public institutions of higher education to reclassify students as nonresidents if they do not meet the new residency requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to restrict access to public education and benefits for individuals without lawful immigration status in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.001, Subchapter A, Chapter , Education Code 29.153, Education Code 54.052, Education Code 54.053 (Education Code 25, Subchapter A, Chapter , Education Code 29, Education Code 54)