H.B. No. 5646 amends the Education Code to establish new provisions regarding the admission and resident tuition rates for students involved in military-related programs at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill introduces a new subsection (c-1) to Section 51.805, which mandates that senior military colleges and other academic institutions with a corps of cadets consider an applicant's intent to enlist in the U.S. armed forces or join the corps of cadets during the admissions process. Additionally, it adds Section 54.224, which entitles certain students—those enrolled in ROTC programs, corps of cadets, or corps of midshipmen—to pay tuition and fees at the rates designated for Texas residents.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that individuals who qualify for resident tuition under this new section are not considered Texas residents for the purposes of state financial aid programs. The changes will take effect starting with the tuition and fees charged for the fall semester of 2025, while any charges prior to that will be governed by the existing law. The bill requires a two-thirds majority for immediate effect; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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Enrolled: Education Code 51.805 (Education Code 51)