H.B. No. 300 amends the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program by increasing the maximum scholarship amount to the greater of $30,000 or the average cost of attendance at a higher education institution in Texas, replacing the previous cap of $15,000. The bill also modifies eligibility requirements for students seeking initial scholarships, requiring them to be enrolled in a public or private institution of higher education and to either complete a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program or submit proof of acceptance into an officer commissioning program for the Texas State Guard. Additionally, it mandates that state senators and representatives make their scholarship appointments by September 30 each year, with provisions for filling vacancies if appointments are not made in a timely manner.

Further changes include the introduction of a scholarship coordinator role within the board to assist scholarship recipients and ensure they understand the program's requirements. The bill also clarifies that students may not receive scholarships for more than four academic years and outlines conditions under which students may be exempt from repaying scholarships. The act is set to take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, with immediate effect contingent upon a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.9771, Education Code 61.9772, Education Code 61.9773, Education Code 61.9775 (Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 61.9771, Education Code 61.9772, Education Code 61.9773, Education Code 61.9775 (Education Code 61)
Engrossed: Education Code 61.9771, Education Code 61.9772, Education Code 61.9773, Education Code 61.9775 (Education Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 61.9771, Education Code 61.9772, Education Code 61.9773, Education Code 61.9775 (Education Code 61)
Enrolled: Education Code 61.9771, Education Code 61.9772, Education Code 61.9773, Education Code 61.9775 (Education Code 61)