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HB 5619

Relating to extending the Hazlewood Exemption Act to active-duty members.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Wilson

HB 5619 would expand Texas's Hazlewood Exemption Act to include active-duty military members, enabling servicemembers to attend public universities tuition-free while still serving.

Referred to Higher Education
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Bill Summary · HB 5619

Legislative bill overview

HB 5619 would extend the Hazlewood Exemption Act—which currently provides tuition exemptions for eligible veterans and their dependents—to include active-duty military members. This expansion would allow servicemembers to access tuition-free or reduced-cost higher education while still serving in the military, rather than waiting until their service ends.

Why is this important

Active-duty extension could improve educational access and career preparation for military personnel while potentially increasing military recruitment and retention in Texas. However, it would increase costs to Texas public universities by expanding the exemption pool, which could affect institutional budgets and available resources for other students.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Extending exemptions to active-duty members increases the number of beneficiaries without clear appropriations to offset university revenue loss
  • Fairness concerns: Questions about whether active-duty members (with steady military salary and benefits) should receive the same exemptions as lower-income veterans or military families already serving
  • Implementation logistics: Determining eligibility verification, service branch requirements, and how this integrates with existing military education benefits (GI Bill, MGIB) and federal tuition assistance programs

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

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