Bill Caption

Relating to formula funding for excess undergraduate credit hours at public institutions of higher education and to the tuition rate that may be charged for those credit hours.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1531 would align the formula-eligible hours for students of an institute of higher education who receive financial state assistance to only apply to credit hours up to 25% beyond their respective degree requirements.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1531 would provide a cap on formula-funding for community colleges by decreasing the total number of credit hours that count for funding purposes.

However, and maybe even more importantly, by reducing formula funding in this way the bill would work to eliminate borderline predatory behavior of community colleges which allow students to take many more credit hours than necessary and rack up an increasing pile of student debt without necessarily attaining any measurable achievements by earning a degree.

Texas Action supports SB 1531 because it would increase the personal responsibility and individual liberty of students in higher education programs and increase degree completion efficiency thereby resulting in financial savings.