Bill Caption

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain students enrolled in fire science courses at public institutions of higher education.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State or local government.

Bill Analysis

SB 691 would add provisions to expand the current tuition and fees exemption given to certain students for fire science courses. Currently, to receive an exemption, an individual must be employed as a firefighter for the state or be an active member of a volunteer firefighter department who is participating in a Texas retirement system for emergency system with specific certifications.  This expands that to allow non-retired individuals who are active firefighter department volunteers with specific certifications to receive a tuition and fees exemption for fire science courses.

Vote Recommendation Notes

We should not continue to expand law that has already created a privileged class receiving free tuition or services. Consequently, if there is a need for particular skills then that should be decided by individual agents and organizations acting in the free market. This bill would abridge the principles of the free market and limited government, therefore we oppose this legislation.