BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 328
By: Munoz
May 4, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, the Texas State Technical College System is the only
state-funded institution of higher education along the
Texas/Mexican border that does not exempt Mexican residents from
paying out-of-state tuition.

Texas State Technical College (TSTC)-Harlingen has signed
cooperative agreements with the two principal Mexican Technical
High School Systems (DGETI and CONALEP).  These agreements provide
the structure for exchange activities between the Mexican schools
and TSTC.  TSTC will be the focal point in South Texas for all
high-tech industrial training that will be demanded as a result of
the increasing effects of the NAFTA agreement.


PURPOSE

If enacted, H.B. 328 would allow the Technical State Technical
College System to exempt Mexican residents from paying out-of-state
tuition rates.


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 54 B, Education Code, Section 54.060(b)
and (d) to read as follows:

     Sec. 54.060. RESIDENT OF BORDERING STATE OR NATION OR
PARTICIPANT IN STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM: TUITION.  (b)  Includes a
component of the Texas State Technical College System.  (d) 
Includes that a student may obtain a certificate or diploma as well
as a degree or attend graduate courses as stated by the existing
law.

SECTION 2. Effective date:  Fall semester, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 328 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
April 28, 1995.

The chair recognized Representative Sergio Munoz to explain the
bill.

The following person testified in favor of the bill:
Ms. Natalie Flores Prim.


The following person testified neutrally on the bill:
Mr. Stephen Vassberg.

The chair recognized Representative Sergio Munoz to close.

The bill was referred to the subcommittee on tuition exemptions
consisting of Representative Rodriguez as chair and Representative
Goolsby and Ogden as members.

H.B. 328 was considered by the subcommittee in a public hearing on
April 26, 1995.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment to the full
committee by a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 0 absent.

H.B. 328 was considered on subcommittee report by the committee in
a formal meeting on May 3, 1995.  

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 3 absent.