S.B. No. 2055 amends the Education Code to enhance the Texas Leadership Scholars Program by clarifying definitions and establishing new rules for scholarship administration. The bill introduces a new definition for "eligible institution," specifying that it refers to a general academic teaching institution as defined in Section 61.003. Additionally, it modifies the existing rules regarding scholarship amounts and duration, ensuring that a research scholarship is at least 150% of a leadership scholarship and that students can only receive scholarships for a maximum of four years per program. Furthermore, it 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 conferred by each institution.

The bill also includes provisions to prevent the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board from adopting rules that would limit participation to certain institutions or favor students from specific institutions. The Coordinating Board is tasked with implementing these changes as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date. The act will take effect 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 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)
Engrossed: Education Code 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)
Enrolled: Education Code 61.891, Education Code 61.897 (Education Code 61)