Relating to the establishment of the Texas Emergency Aid for Public Postsecondary Students (TEAPPS) grant program for students at certain public institutions of higher education.
Impact
Under SB158, eligible institutions must have a student body where at least 30 percent are recipients of Pell grants or belong to underrepresented minority populations. The total grants to institutions will not exceed $2 million per academic year, with individual grants capped at $50,000. The bill mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to oversee the program, ensuring that the aid process is efficient and responsive, with a requirement for institutions to disburse funds within 48 hours of application review.
Summary
Senate Bill 158 (SB158) proposes the establishment of the Texas Emergency Aid for Public Postsecondary Students (TEAPPS) grant program. This program aims to provide financial assistance to students at certain public institutions of higher education who face unexpected expenses that may impede their academic progress. The legislation emphasizes the need for a structured response to help students maintain their educational trajectory despite unforeseen financial challenges.
Contention
The legislation includes specific stipulations to ensure accountability and proper use of the funds. Institutions must define what constitutes an 'emergency', guarantee a minimum additional investment in emergency aid equal to 10% of the grant received, and partner with various organizations to provide 'wraparound' services that could support students further—covering needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. The bill may generate discussion regarding the balance between state oversight and institutional autonomy in resolving student needs.
Notable_points
SB158 is set to take effect with immediate implementation if passed by a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers; otherwise, its implementation will be delayed until September 1, 2025. This timeline highlights the urgency behind addressing immediate student financial needs, indicating a recognition of the growing pressure on students in higher education to manage unforeseen expenses.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for Two-Year Programs and the Texas Promise Grant Program for Four-Year Programs for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of a grant program to support the study of regenerative agriculture at public institutions of higher education.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.