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SB 364

Relating to eligibility for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sarah Eckhardt

Bill extends tuition/fee exemptions to former Texas foster youth in DFPS conservatorship, reducing higher education costs for aging-out youth to improve educational access.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--higher--studentfinancialaid(i0235) #fostercare(s0064) #family--childprotection(i0351)
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Bill Summary · SB 364

Legislative bill overview

SB 364 would extend tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public universities and colleges to students who were previously under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill specifically targets former foster youth aging out of state care, removing financial barriers to higher education access for this vulnerable population.

Why is this important

Former foster youth face significant educational and economic disadvantages, with substantially lower college enrollment and completion rates compared to their peers. Tuition exemptions directly address a major barrier to educational attainment, potentially improving long-term economic outcomes and reducing dependence on public assistance for a population that has already experienced systemic instability.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill would reduce revenue to public higher education institutions, potentially requiring budget adjustments or raising questions about who bears the cost of this benefit
  • Scope definition: Questions about which students qualify (current age limits, timeline after leaving care, whether to include kinship care or only state conservatorship) could affect implementation
  • Equity concerns: Some may argue other disadvantaged groups (homeless youth, LGBTQ+ youth, low-income students) face similar barriers and ask why this population receives targeted support

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

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