The bill, S.B. No. 1419, amends the Texas Education Code to enhance the Texas Leadership Scholars Program. It introduces a new definition for "Eligible Institution," specifying that it refers to any general academic teaching institution as defined in Section 61.003. Additionally, the bill modifies the rules regarding research scholarships, stating that the amount of a research scholarship must be at least 150 percent of a leadership scholarship. It also establishes that students cannot receive scholarships under either program for more than four years and mandates that each eligible institution must receive at least one research scholarship award, with additional awards distributed based on the number of research doctoral degrees awarded.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that prevent the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board from adopting rules that limit participation to certain institutions or give preference to students from specific institutions. The board is tasked with modifying the existing rules to align with these new requirements as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date. The act will take effect immediately if it secures a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)