TX SB186

Establishes the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program to help pay tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students with disabilities attending public colleges and universities in Texas

Requires students to be Texas residents, enrolled at least one-quarter time in an associate, baccalaureate, or certificate program, and demonstrate disability through SSI/SSDI benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, ADA documentation, or a disability affidavit form

Sets credit hour limits for eligibility: students cannot have completed more than 90 hours (for 2-year programs) or 135 hours (for programs over 2 years), and scholarship duration is capped at 75 or 150 hours respectively

Disqualifies individuals convicted of felonies or controlled substance offenses unless at least two years have passed since discharge/probation completion, or the record has been expunged or pardoned

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will administer the program, determine scholarship amounts based on available funding, and scholarships may begin no earlier than the 2026-2027 academic year