Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Impact
If enacted, SB186 would have significant implications for state laws governing educational scholarships. It would facilitate the creation of a formal scholarship program targeted at students with disabilities, thereby ensuring that state financial aid mechanisms consider the unique challenges faced by these individuals. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board would be responsible for administering the program, including setting up the necessary rules and processes to manage scholarship applications and disbursements.
Summary
SB186 seeks to establish the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program, specifically designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students with disabilities attending public institutions of higher education. The bill amends Chapter 56 of the Education Code by adding Subchapter U, which outlines the program's purpose, administration, eligibility criteria, and scholarship awards. It aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with tuition and mandatory fees, thereby promoting educational access for students with disabilities in Texas.
Contention
Among the notable points of contention surrounding SB186 would be the eligibility requirements for scholarship applicants. The bill stipulates that eligible students must provide proof of their disability status and may also face disqualification due to felony convictions in certain contexts. This may raise debates regarding accessibility and fairness, particularly for students with complex backgrounds. Some stakeholders may argue for less restrictive conditions to ensure that the program serves its intended purpose effectively while others might insist on maintaining integrity and standards in scholarship awards.
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.
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 Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
Expanding student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, increasing the amount of the tax credit for contributions made pursuant to such program and providing for aggregate tax credit limit increases under certain conditions.
Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.