Sec. 1051.653.  EXAMINATION FEE SCHOLARSHIPS.  (a)  The board shall administer scholarships to applicants for examination under this article in a manner the board determines best serves the public purpose of:
(1)  promoting the professional needs of the state;
(2)  increasing the number of highly trained and educated architects available to serve the residents of the state;
(3)  improving the state's business environment and encouraging economic development; and
(4)  identifying, recognizing, and supporting outstanding applicants who plan to pursue careers in architecture.
(b)  In determining what best serves the public purpose of the scholarships as described by Subsection (a), the board shall consider at least the financial need of each person who applies for a scholarship under this section.
(c)  The amount of the scholarship is the lesser of:
(1)  $500;  or
(2)  the amount of the required examination fee.
(d)  Scholarships under this section are funded by the amount added to each renewal fee under Section 1051.651(b).  The board may not use more than 15 percent of the amount appropriated to the board for scholarships under this section to pay the costs of administering the scholarships.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 331, Sec. 3.13, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by: 
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 15.007(f), eff. September 1, 2005.