Sec. 56.204. ENTITLEMENT. (a) In a total amount not to exceed the amount of funds appropriated for the current state fiscal year to pay for a state credit to apply toward tuition or tuition and mandatory fees, as applicable, at a public or private institution of higher education in this state, the commissioner of education shall award to eligible persons credits in the following amounts:

(1) $2,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in 36 consecutive months or less and an additional $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person graduated with at least 15 hours of college credit;

(2) $500 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in more than 36 consecutive months but not more than 41 consecutive months and an additional $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person graduated with at least 30 hours of college credit;

(3) $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in more than 41 consecutive months but not more than 45 consecutive months with at least 30 hours of college credit; or

(4) $1,000 to apply only toward tuition if the person graduated before September 1, 2005, after successfully completing the requirements for a high school diploma in not more than 36 consecutive months.

(b) The use of a credit at a private institution is contingent on a private institution's agreement to match the state credit.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1317, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181 (S.B. 1227), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1266 (H.B. 2109), Sec. 4, eff. June 18, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1266 (H.B. 2109), Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1186 (H.B. 3708), Sec. 5, eff. June 17, 2011.