Sec. 56.0065. STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES; EQUAL PROTECTION. (a) In this section, "private or independent institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.

(b) An institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education may not impose additional fees, obligations, or burdens concerning payment or registration on a student eligible for state or federal military related student financial assistance programs for military veterans or their family members that are not otherwise required by those programs to be imposed for the purpose of receiving that assistance.

(c) An institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education must provide for a student described by Subsection (b) to defer payment of tuition and fees if the receipt of military related financial assistance awarded to the student is delayed by less than 60 days. The Texas Veterans Commission, in cooperation with institutions of higher education and private or independent institutions of higher education, shall prescribe a standard deferment request form for the purposes of this subsection.

(d) This section does not prohibit an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education from requiring a student described by Subsection (b) to submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 986 (H.B. 846), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.