TITLE attorney-general

Opinion No. GA-0444

The Honorable Geraldine "Tincy" Miller

Chair, State Board of Education

1701 North Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78701-1494

Re: Whether funds set aside for textbooks may be used for the purchase of computer hardware and other equipment (RQ-0436-GA)

S U M M A R Y

Funds set aside for textbooks, including electronic textbooks, must be used exclusively for the purpose of conveying information, including curriculum content, to students, and such funds may not be used for the purchase of hardware or other equipment defined as "technological equipment."

Opinion No. GA-0445

The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte, R.Ph.

Chair, Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations

Texas State Senate

Post Office Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711-2068

Re: Whether under Education Code section 54.203(a) the governing board of an institution of higher education must exempt an honorably discharged veteran from the payment of dues, fees, and charges if the veteran is not a United States citizen (RQ-0433-GA)

S U M M A R Y

To receive benefits under Education Code section 54.203(a), an honorably discharged veteran must: (1) have been a United States citizen and Texas resident at the time he or she entered the service and (2) have resided in Texas for at least 12 months at the time the veteran registers in an institution of higher education. Section 54.203(a) does not require that the veteran be a United States citizen at the time he or she registers in the institution of higher education.

For further information, please access the website at www.oag.state.tx.us or call the Opinion Committee at (512) 463-2110.

Deputy Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Filed: July 26, 2006