MMA H.B. 2544 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS HIGHER EDUCATION H.B. 2544 By: Gray 4-2-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Texas A&M University at Galveston is currently a separate system of higher education within the Texas A&M University System. The Education Code lists Texas A&M University at Galveston as "a special purpose institution of higher education for undergraduate instruction in marine and maritime studies" under the management and control of the Texas A&M University System board of regents with the degree offered under the name and authority of Texas A&M University. PURPOSE H.B. 2544 would authorize the Texas A&M University System board of regents to designate Texas A&M University at Galveston as a branch campus of Texas A&M University. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Section 87.201 of the Education Code is amended by adding Subsection (c) which allows the board of regents of Texas A&M University System to designate Texas A&M University at Galveston as a branch campus. States that this designation does not alter Texas A&M University at Galveston's role or mission and will be effective once notice has been published in the Texas Register. SECTION 2. Emergency clause.