BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2068
By: Hirschi
03-11-95
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND

The comprehensive bachelor of science and master of science in
radiological science at Midwestern State University (MSU) provides
advanced education for radiologic administrators.  The masters
program in radiological sciences at MSU is the first discipline-specific degree in the United States and the bachelor of science
course is the only one in Texas.  Instructional telecommunication
will provide the Air Force personnel, who ordinarily would not be
able to attend classes full-time, to benefit from this training.  

The United States Air Force has expressed interest in enrolling its
personnel based out-of-state in these unique courses.  Although
courses taught through instructional telecommunications do not have
the same overhead costs as traditional instruction, current law
requires these Air Force personnel to pay out-of-state tuition
rates.  


PURPOSE

This bill allows the U.S. Air Force to benefit from the advanced
courses in radiologic science offered at MSU by permitting U.S. Air
Force personnel stationed outside the State of Texas to pay in-state tuition rates for the bachelor of science and master of
science degree programs in radiological sciences.  


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, by adding
Subsection (h) to read as follows:

     Sec. 54.058.  MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS.  (h) Allows
the U.S. Air Force Personnel who are stationed outside of Texas to
pay in-state tuition rates if they are enrolled at MSU in the
bachelor of science or master of science degree program in
radiological sciences by instructional telecommunication. 
"Instructional telecommunication" is defined. 

SECTION 2. Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

The committee amendment No. 1 amends H.B. 2068 (page 1, line 12)
after the word "residents" by inserting "if they began the program
while stationed at an Air Force base in Texas."



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 2068 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
March 21, 1995.  The following person testified in favor of the
bill:  Dr. Louis J. Rodriguez.  The committee considered an
amendment to the bill.  The amendment was adopted without objection
by a non-record vote.  The bill was reported favorably as amended,
with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record
vote of 6 ayes, 1 nay, 1 pnv, 1 absent.