MMA H.B. 2944 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
H.B. 2944
By: Sadler
4-30-97
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND 

The Texas State Technical College (TSTC) extension center in Marshall,
Texas was established in 1991, 72nd Legislature.  It has provided
excellent facilities and opportunities to students in the area.  By
establishing a campus in Marshall, TSTC would enhance an already
outstanding program.  The school teaches technical and vocational classes
that assist in the advancement of the students in the professional arena.
Currently, the extension center operates under the administration of a
campus.  This bill would allow TSTC extension center in Marshall to become
a residential unit of the system which is able to grant associate degrees
and certificates. 

PURPOSE

H.B. 2944 would designate the Texas State Technical College System
extension center in the city of Marshall as a campus of the system. 

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.  Amends Section 135.02(a), Education Code, by replacing "an
extension center" for "campus."  This would establish TSTC in Marshall as
a campus of the system. 

 SECTION 2.  Repeals Sections 135.02, Subsection (d) relating to the
establishment of the extension center and Subsection (e) stating the
legislature's intent is that the extension center not duplicate courses or
programs of certain colleges as determined by the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board. 

 SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

 SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO. 1
 The amendment would add Subsection (b) to SECTION 3 of the bill requiring
the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to approve the
designation of the TSTC extension center as a campus of the system on or
before September 1, 2001.  If the designation is not approved before the
date, the bill has no effect.  Mandates that THECB approve the designation
and determine if it is in the best interest of the system and the state. 
 The amendment also makes conforming changes in Subsection (a), SECTION 3,
making reference to Subsection (b).