BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.S.B. 221
S.B. 221
By: Zaffirini (Cuellar)
Committee Report (Substituted)
Engrossed


BACKGROUND

Courses offered at colleges and universities are often federally-funded via grants.  State law, however, requires institutions of
higher education to charge tuition for every course that offers
credit.  This sometimes results in "double-payment" for the same
services and can jeopardize the institutions ability to secure
grants.  Some proponents argue that eliminating tuition requirement
for such courses may provide incentive for educators to take them.

PURPOSE

S.B. 221, as substituted, provides a waiver of tuition and fees for
students attending courses that are fully funded by federal or
other sources.

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 D, Education Code, by adding Section
54.212 to read as follows:

     Sec. 54.212.  STUDENTS ENROLLED IN FULLY FUNDED COURSES.
Authorizes the governing board of an institution of higher
education to waive tuition and fees for students  attending courses
that are fully funded by federal or other sources.

SECTION 2.     Emergency clause.
          Effective date:  upon passage.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The original bill waived tuition and fees for teachers enrolled in
a federally funded program.  The committee substitute applies to
all courses that are fully funded by federal or other sources.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 221 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
February 28, 1995.  The committee considered a complete substitute
for S.B. 221.  The following person testified in support of the
bill:  Mr. Robert Beck Clark, Texas A&M University.  S.B. 221, as
substituted, was left as pending business.  S.B. 221, as
substituted, was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
March 7, 1995.  The complete substitute was adopted without
objection by a non-record vote.  There was no testimony given. 
S.B. 221 was reported favorably as substituted, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv and 4 absent.