FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2023
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Texas Signs Bills Critical to Supporting Parenting Students into Law
(Austin, TX) – Governor Greg Abbott signed two bills into law, SB 459 and HB 1361, that amplify parenting students and ensure necessary supports for students balancing the responsibilities of both parenting and pursuing their academic goals.
SB 459 creates an accessible way for parents to balance busy schedules by having early registration for classes. This bill recognizes the additional responsibilities parenting students shoulder and provides them with fair and equitable opportunities. HB 1361 implements a liaison on campus for parenting students which provides a designated point of contact on campus for parents, offering guidance and support tailored to the specific needs of parenting students.
The student-parent liaison bill, which YI has been trying to pass since 2019, will better connect these students with medical services, public benefit programs, academic supports, parenting and child resources, and any other resources the institution offers to assist students. The bill also includes a crucial data-gathering piece that will help identify gaps and opportunities for additional support to better serve the unique challenges faced by parenting students.
In response, Kasey Corpus, Southern Policy and Advocacy Manager at Young Invincibles said:
“In Texas, an estimated one-in-four postsecondary students are also a parent. It is essential to support parenting students through every step of their educational journey, and it starts with addressing their basic needs on campus. Signing these bills into law is a monumental win for parenting students.
SB 459 ensures that parenting students don’t have to compromise their priorities to get their degree. HB 1361 reduces the ambiguity of navigating school and helps parenting students have a place to find answers, resources and support throughout their academic careers. The passage of both bills sends a clear message that Texas values the education of parenting students. By helping to reduce some of the barriers these students face, we can help empower them to reach their full potential as students and parents.
After years of fighting, we are thrilled to finally see parenting students get the necessary care and support on campus they need. This is just the beginning to creating equitable and accessible higher education opportunities.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org