LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 74th Regular Session April 24, 1995 TO: Honorable Irma Rangel, Chair IN RE: Committee Substitute Committee on Higher Education for House of Representatives HouseBill No. Austin, Texas 2486 FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on House Bill No. 2486 (Relating to review of public institutions of higher education by the state postsecondary review entity) this office has determined the following: The bill would amend certain administrative functions related to the State Postsecondary Review Entity (SPRE). The bill would establish jurisdiction for any cases and appeals, protect peer reviews and consultants acting in good faith on behalf of the SPRE in program reviews, establish requirements for institutional notification and explanation of the commencement of review activities, and establish confidentiality for investigative information and working papers until the review or complaint has been completed. The bill would also provide for disclosure of information to an appropriate law enforcement authority in the event that a crime is suspected, and allow the state post secondary review entity designated by the Governor to issue a civil investigative demand requiring an institution to produce documents or permit inspection and copying of records. The Texas SPRE program is an existing program funded by the federal government. No fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated. Source: Higher Education Coordinating Board LBB Staff: JK, MK, WRR