BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 336

88R4479 JTZ-D

By: Zaffirini

 

Subcommittee on Higher Education

 

3/28/2023

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently institutions of higher education are required to maintain the anonymity of employees who make compliance reports or participate in compliance investigations. This protection, however, does not extend to agents or contractors acting on the institution's behalf. S.B. 336 aims to ensure that the identity of all persons acting on behalf of higher education institutions are kept confidential by a college or university compliance program, which would encourage more reporting of compliance issues.

 

As proposed, S.B. 336 amends current law relating to compliance programs at public institutions of higher education.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.971(a)(1), Education Code, to redefine "compliance program" to include agents, contractors, subcontractors, or other persons acting on behalf of institutions of higher education.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.