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.