(a) In this section, “institution of higher education” and “university system” have the meanings assigned by § 61.003.
(b) A person is not eligible to receive a scholarship originating from and administered by an institution of higher education or university system if the person is related to a current member of the governing board of the institution or system, unless:
(1) the scholarship is granted by a private organization or third party not affiliated with the institution of higher education or university system;
(2) the scholarship is awarded exclusively on the basis of prior academic merit;
(3) the scholarship is an athletic scholarship; or
(4) the relationship is not within the third degree by consanguinity or the second degree by affinity, as determined under Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Government Code.

Attorney's Note

Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class B misdemeanorup to 180 daysup to $2,000
For details, see Texas Penal Code § 12.22

Terms Used In Texas Education Code 51.969

  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) Before receiving a scholarship originating from and administered by an institution of higher education or university system, a person must file a written statement with the institution or system indicating whether the person is related within the third degree by consanguinity or the second degree by affinity to a current member of the governing board of the institution or system.
(d) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt rules for the administration of this section and shall prescribe the statement to be used under this section. The coordinating board shall notify each institution of higher education and university system of the required statement and applicable rules.
(e) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly files a false statement under Subsection (c).
(f) An offense under Subsection (e) is a Class B misdemeanor.