House approves Branch measure to cap state university tuition hikes at 3.95 percent a year

House Higher Education Committee Chairman Dan Branch, R-Dallas, won House approval of a resolution capping tuition increases for undergraduates at state universities in each of the next three academic years at 3.95 percent or $280, whichever is greater.

Then, for the 2013-2014 academic year, the cap would be the greater of 3.95 percent or a three-year average of the consumer price index and a higher education price index.

"It's the best that we can get done at this time," Branch said.

The resolution, HCR 288, now goes to the Senate for approval.