BILL ANALYSIS


                                                     C.S.S.B. 944
                                                       By: Harris
                                                        Education
                                                         03-30-95
                                   Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND

Currently, law does not allow a student who enters a public
institution of higher education, and who has been diagnosed with
dyslexia or a related disorder, to take certain tests and remedial
coursework.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 944 provides an exemption from certain
testing and remedial coursework for a student with dyslexia or a
related disorder who enters a public institution of higher
education.

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. Amends Section 51.306, Education Code, by adding
Subsection (q) to provide that a student who has been diagnosed as
having dyslexia or a related disorder, as those terms are defined
by Section 21.924(a), by a qualified professional whose license or
credentials are appropriate to diagnose the disorder as determined
by the State Board of Education and who completes the remedial
program prescribed by the institution may be required to retake the
test once but may not be referred to an additional remedial course
or other remedial program or precluded from enrolling in an upper
division course because of the student's performance on the test.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 51.3061, Education Code, by adding
Subsection (f), to provide that a student who has been diagnosed as
having dyslexia or a related disorder, as those terms are defined
by Section 21.924(a), by a qualified professional whose license or
credentials are appropriate to diagnose the disorders, as
determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and
who completes the remedial program prescribed by the institution
may be required to retake the test once but may not be referred to
an additional remedial course or other remedial program or
precluded from enrolling in an upper division course because of the
student's performance on the test.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.