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HB 2848

Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Harold Dutton

HB 2848 exempts or refunds tuition and fees for lower-division students at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University to improve affordability and access at historically Black institutions.

Referred to Higher Education
#education--higher--studentfees(i0234) #education--higher--studentfinancialaid(i0235) #education--higher--tuition(i0233) #prairieviewa&muniversity(u0024) #texassouthernuniversity(u0214)
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Bill Summary · HB 2848

Legislative bill overview

HB 2848 would create a tuition and fees exemption or refund program for lower-division students (typically first and second-year undergraduates) at two historically Black universities in Texas: Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. The bill establishes a targeted financial assistance mechanism specifically for these institutions and student populations.

Why is this important

Lower-division students often face the highest financial barriers to college completion, and these two HBCUs serve predominantly low-income student populations. Reducing tuition burden for early-stage undergraduates could improve enrollment rates, retention, and degree completion while addressing affordability challenges at under-resourced institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill text does not specify how the exemption/refund would be funded—whether through state appropriations, university reserves, or other sources, raising questions about fiscal impact
  • Equity across institutions: Limiting the program to two specific universities may draw criticism about why other public universities or HBCUs in Texas would not receive similar support
  • Definition and scope: "Lower-division" and specifics on eligibility criteria (income thresholds, GPA, residency status) are not detailed, leaving implementation questions unresolved

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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