SRC-MAX H.B. 2517 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2517
By: Dunnam (Shapleigh)
Education
6-30-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) does not have a
means by  which to provide certain comparative information to the general
public concerning public junior colleges and and public technical
colleges.  This bill requires THECB to collect, maintain, and report
comparative information for public junior colleges and public technical
institutions and make it available to interested persons.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2517 to set forth provisions regarding state oversight
and evaluation of public junior college districts and other postsecondary
institutions of vocational or technical education.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61C, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0514,
as follows: 

Sec.  61.0514.  COMPARATIVE INFORMATION RELATING TO POSTSECONDARY
VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.  Sets forth provisions
requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board (THECB) to
collect, maintain, and report certain information relating to public
junior colleges and public technical institutes.  Requires THECB to
appoint an advisory committee to assist THECB in identifying information,
facilitating the collection of information, and developing formats and
methods of presenting and distributing information under this section.
Requires the advisory committee to include members representing certain
public offices or public schools. 

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 321, Government Code, by adding Section
321.0127, as follows: 

Sec.  321.0137.  INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT.  Sets forth
provisions regarding an independent audit of a junior college district
conducted by the state auditor. 

SECTION 3. (a)  Effective date: September 1, 1997.

(b)  Requires THECB to comply with the new duties imposed by this Act not
later than September 1, 1998. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.