Leap year brings tuition hikes, waiting period for abortion By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press Writer AUSTIN New college tuition rates and a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions represent significant changes in Texas policy in 2004. After months of planning, the new laws take effect Jan. 1, rather than September, like most Texas laws. Other changes include a ban on driving on dry riverbeds and how insurers score credit ratings. The Republican-led Legislature loosened its grip on tuition-setting power to allow universities to set their own rates to offset $558 million in state cuts to higher education. Supporters appreciated...