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.