(a) In this section:
(1) "Board" means the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System.
(2) "National laboratory" means a national laboratory owned by the United States Department of Energy.
(3) "Operator" means a person awarded a contract to operate and manage a national laboratory.
(b) A person, or the person's dependent, is entitled to pay tuition and fees at the rates provided for Texas residents when enrolled in an institution of The Texas A&M University System if the person is employed by:
(1) a national laboratory with whom the board has entered into a management and operation agreement or academic affiliation agreement; or
(2) the operator of a national laboratory with whom the board has entered into a membership agreement or equivalent governance document.