BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.H.B. 114
By: Hochberg
03-06-95
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND

The Texas Assessment of Skills Proficiency Test (TASP) was created
to assess whether or not a student enrolled at a public institution
of higher education had the necessary skills to successfully
complete college-level coursework. A student must take the TASP
test prior to taking more than nine (9) hours of coursework.
However, some students enrolled in private universities or in out-of-state universities often take courses for credit at state
supported institutions to transfer back to their primary school.
Others take courses at community colleges for personal growth or
continuing education. Yet, they are currently required to take the
test if the number of credit hours they have completed at the
public institution equals nine hours, which serves no public
purpose.


PURPOSE

H.B. 114, as substituted, exempts students from taking the TASP
Test if they are enrolled on a temporary basis in the institution
of higher education; and also enrolled in a private or independent
institution of higher education or an out-of-state institution of
higher education or has graduated from an institution of higher
education, a private or independent institution of higher
education, or an out-of-state institution of higher education.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 51 F, Education Code, Section 51.306(a)
to read as follows:

     Sec. 51.306.  TESTING AND REMEDIAL COURSEWORK.  (a) Includes 
"private or independent institution of higher education" in Section
61.003 of this code.

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 51 F, Education Code, Section 51.306 by
adding Subsections (q)-(s) to read as follows:

     Sec. 51.306 (q).  Exempts students from taking the TASP test
if they are enrolled on a temporary basis at an institution of
higher education and are enrolled in a private or independent
institution of higher education or an out-of-state institution of
higher education or who have graduated from an institution of
higher education, a private or independent institution of higher
education, or an out-of-state institution of higher education.

     Sec. 51.306 (r).  A student must show the following proof to
receive an exemption from the TASP test:  (1) a student enrolled at
a private or independent institution or an out-of-state institution
shall present as evidence a transcript, grade report, paid fee
receipt from the previous semester, or any other evidence
acceptable to the institution;

(2) a student that has graduated from an institution of higher
education, a private or independent institution of higher
education, or an out-of-state institution of higher education,
shall present to the institution in which they seek the exemption,
a diploma or transcript as evidence of graduation; and

(3) a student shall sign a form indicating that they do not intend
to enroll on a permanent basis or receive a degree or certificate
from the institution where they are seeking the exemption.

     Sec. 51.305 (s).  Authorizes termination of the exemption if
the student enrolls on a permanent basis or enrolls in a degree or
certificate program at the institution of higher education where
they sought the exemption.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

H.B. 114 would allow students who are not enrolled in a degree or
certificate program at an institution of higher education and who
are not enrolled in more than two courses at a time to be exempted
from the TASP test.  The committee substitute to H.B. 114 exempts
students from taking the TASP test if they are enrolled on a
temporary basis in the institution of higher education; and can
provide evidence of being enrolled in a private or independent
institution of higher education or an out-of-state institution of
higher education or has graduated from an institution of higher
education, a private or independent institution of higher
education, or an out-of-state institution of higher education.  


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 114 was considered by a committee in a public hearing on March
7, 1995.  The committee considered a complete substitute for H.B.
114.  The substitute was adopted without objection by a non-record
vote.  The following person testified in support of the bill:  Mr.
Richard L. Jennings representing himself.  H.B. 114 was reported
favorably as substituted, with the recommendation that it do pass
and be printed and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent
Calendars, by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 4 absent.