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.