TX SB166

Removes the requirement that students who were in foster care (under Department of Family and Protective Services conservatorship) must enroll in college before their 25th birthday to qualify for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education

Maintains existing eligibility criteria for the exemption, including students who were in conservatorship on the day before their 18th birthday, at age 14 or older if eligible for adoption, at high school graduation, or at the time of adoption/permanent placement

Continues to exempt tuition and fees for dual credit courses and other joint high school/college credit courses for eligible foster care students

Preserves the provision allowing children who exit conservatorship and return to their parents to potentially qualify for the exemption based on eligibility factors determined by the Health and Human Services Commission

Takes effect beginning with the 2025 fall semester, with immediate effect if approved by two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers, otherwise September 1, 2025