BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

By: Counts
02-12-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The original law which established the SouthWest Collegiate
Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) in 1980 provides that deaf students
who attend SWCID must pay tuition expenses.  A tuition waiver for
deaf students who attend SWCID would encourage Texas Rehabilitation
Counselors and other financial support agency representatives to
give SWCID equal consideration when contemplating viable
postsecondary institution options for deaf students.  Because of
the comprehensive program provided to deaf students at SWCID, a
tuition waiver would greatly assist the college in its recruiting
efforts and provide deaf students with one of the most optimal
postsecondary programs in Texas.


PURPOSE

To provide tuition waiver for all Texas Deaf students attending
SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf of Howard College.


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.   Section 54.205(a), Education Code, is amended by
adding Subdivision (5) to read as follows:

           (5) Definition of "Institution of higher education" as
assigned by Section 61.003,        and includes the Southwest
Collegiate Institute for the Deaf.

     SECTION 2.   Section 131.005(a), Education Code is amended as
follows:

           (a) Provides for exemption from tuition and fees under
Section 54.205 of this        code.

     SECTION 3. Sets the effective date of this Act as fall
semester of 1995.

     SECTION 4. Provides for the suspension of rules requiring
bills to be read.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Public notice was posted in accordance with house rules.  H.B. 435
was considered in a public hearing on February 14, 1995.  The
following person, Dr. Charles Zucker, testified on the bill.  No
one testified for or against the bill.  A motion by Representative
Rodriguez to report H.B. 435 to the full house with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the
Local and Consent Calendar.  The motion carried with a vote of 6
ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 3 absent.