(a) An institution of higher education may fund tuition exemptions under Section 54.361 or 54.363 from local funds or from funds appropriated to the institution. An institution of higher education is not required to provide tuition exemptions beyond those funded through appropriations specifically designated for this purpose.
(b) The Texas Education Agency shall accept and make available to provide tuition exemptions under Section 54.363 gifts, grants, and donations made to the agency for that purpose. The commissioner of education shall transfer those funds to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to distribute to institutions of higher education that provide exemptions under that section.