BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 114 By: Hochberg (Ratliff) Education 05-19-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) 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 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 required to take the test if the number of credit hours they have completed at the public institution equals nine hours. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 114 exempts certain students from taking the TASP Test. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.306(a)(1), Education Code, to define "board," "institution of higher education," and "private or independent institution of higher education." SECTION 2. Amends Section 51.306, Education Code, by adding Subsections (q)-(s), as follows: (q) Provides that this section does not apply to a student at an institution of higher education (institution) who enrolls on a temporary basis in the institution; and is also enrolled in a private or independent institution or an out-of-state institution, or has graduated from an institution of higher education, a private or independent or an out-of-state institution. (r) Requires a student to present certain information and sign a certain form to receive an exemption under Subsection (q). (s) Provides that an exemption under Subsection (q) terminates if the student enrolls on a permanent basis in the institution or enrolls in a certificate or degree program at the institution. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.