88R3032 JTZ-D By: Paxton S.B. No. 459 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to early registration for parenting students at public institutions of higher education. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.983 to read as follows: Sec. 51.983. EARLY REGISTRATION FOR PARENTING STUDENTS. (a) In this section: (1) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (2) "Parenting student" means a student enrolled at an institution of higher education who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age. (b) If an institution of higher education provides early registration for courses or programs at the institution for any group of students, the institution shall provide early registration for those courses or programs for parenting students in the same manner. (c) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with institutions of higher education, shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this section. SECTION 2. Section 51.983, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with registration for a course or program for the 2024 spring semester. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.