Higher education institutions must appoint a liaison officer for students who are or were in foster care and publish related contact and support information.
Sec. 51.9356. DESIGNATION OF LIAISON OFFICER TO ASSIST STUDENTS WHO ARE OR WERE IN FOSTER CARE. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (b) Each institution of higher education shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current and incoming students at the institution who are or were formerly in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. To the extent allowed by state or federal law, the institution shall identify those students from information provided to the institution in admission or financial aid applications or other available resources. (c) Each semester or other academic term, an institution of higher education shall provide to the institution's liaison officer the names of and information regarding the students described by Subsection (b). (d) The liaison officer shall provide to the students described by Subsection (b) information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution and any other relevant information to assist the students. (e) The liaison officer may participate in any training that enables the officer to carry out the officer's duties and coordinate with liaison officers at other educational institutions. (f) Each institution of higher education shall publicize, including through the institution's Internet website, social media, electronic mail, or other means of communication used by the institution: (1) the name of and contact information for the institution's liaison officer; and (2) information regarding support services and other resources available at the institution to the students described by Subsection (b). Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 822 (H.B. 3748), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2015. Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 1702), Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 2019. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 1702), Sec. 2, eff. May 29, 2019.