TX SB895

Expands eligibility for the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program to include students enrolled in private schools and home schools, in addition to the current eligibility for public school district and charter school students

Requires private schools, like school districts and charter schools, to determine whether students meet the educationally disadvantaged criteria and notify the higher education institution offering the dual credit course

Allows private schools to verify student eligibility using their own records, Texas Education Agency records, or other methods authorized by commissioner or coordinating board rules

Establishes that funding for eligible private school students will come from appropriations to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, separate from the transfer mechanism used for public school students

Requires the coordinating board to include tuition amounts for FAST-eligible private school students in its instruction and operations formula for participating higher education institutions

Takes effect beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect if passed by two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025 otherwise