BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 2068
                                            By: Hirschi (Haywood)
                                                        Education
                                                          4-28-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND

The comprehensive bachelor of science and master of science degrees
in radiological science at Midwestern State University (MSU)
provide advanced education for radiologic administrators.  The
master's 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 allow 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

As proposed, H.B. 2068 allows U.S. Air Force personnel who began a
radiological science program at Midwestern State University while
stationed in Texas to pay the same tuition and fees as a Texas
resident if the personnel are being instructed out of state via
telecommunications.

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 Section 54.058, Education Code, by adding
Subsection (h), as follows:

     (h) Entitles U.S. Air Force personnel stationed outside of
     Texas who are enrolled in bachelor's or master's programs in
     radiological sciences at Midwestern State University by
     instructional telecommunication to pay tuition and other fees
     provided for Texas residents if the personnel began the
     program while stationed at an Air Force base in Texas. 
     Defines "instructional telecommunication."
     
     SECTION 2.     Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.