BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 694
By: Montford (Counts)
04-20-95
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

As proposed, S.B. 694 would 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

S.B. 694 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on
April 20, 1995.
The bill was reported without amendment with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on
Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0
pnv, and 4 absent.