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HB 1634

Relating to 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 Salman Bhojani and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill exempts former foster youth from tuition and fees at public universities, removing cost barriers for students exiting state conservatorship.

Referred to Higher Education
#educationagency #texas(v9941) #education--higher--institutions&programs(i0223) #education--higher--studentfinancialaid(i0235) #education--higher--tuition(i0233) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #fostercare(s0064) #family--childprotection(i0351) #highereducationcoordinatingboard #texas(v4280)
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Bill Summary · HB 1634

Legislative bill overview

HB 1634 would exempt students from tuition and fee payments at Texas public colleges and universities if they were previously under the conservatorship (legal guardianship) of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This targets former foster youth who age 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 compared to peers, with lower college enrollment and completion rates. Tuition exemptions directly address a major barrier to post-secondary education, potentially improving outcomes for students who have experienced instability in state custody. This could increase workforce readiness and reduce long-term social service dependency.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on institutions: Public universities would absorb revenue loss from waived tuition and fees, potentially affecting operating budgets, course availability, or other student services unless state funding increases proportionally
  • Eligibility verification: DFPS would need reliable mechanisms to verify students' former conservatorship status, raising administrative complexity and potential for fraud
  • Scope limitations: The bill doesn't specify duration of coverage (undergraduate only? graduate programs?), residency requirements, or whether fees beyond tuition (room, board, books) are included, creating implementation uncertainties

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

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