MMA C.S.H.B. 3058 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
C.S.H.B. 3058
By: Berlanga
4-12-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND 

Recently, there has been much debate about the constitutionality of
remedial measures.  To date, there has been no effective study proving or
disproving historical patterns of segregation and discrimination in higher
education which are often cited as reasons for remedial measures and
actions.  A legislatively supported and mandated study could offer
deference and perspective not provided by a private study.   

PURPOSE

C.S.H.B. 3058 would require the Comptroller of Public Accounts
(comptroller) to conduct a study of admissions and graduation rates at
institutions of higher education. 

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.   STUDY IN ADMISSIONS AND GRADUATION RATES.
(a)  Requires the comptroller to conduct a study to examine admission,
enrollment, and graduation rates of public institutions of higher
education, including major graduate schools, professional schools, and
doctoral programs for five years before the effective date of this Act. 
 (b)  Requires that the study examine specific disparities between the
composition of the state population, high school graduation populations,
and specific higher education populations. 
(c)  Requires that the cost of the study be paid from funds appropriated
for that purpose to the comptroller. 

 SECTION 2.   REPORTS.  Requires comptroller to report activities and
findings of the study to certain state officials, no later than June 1,
1998. 

SECTION 3.   Expiration date: January 1, 1999.

 SECTION 4.   Emergency  clause.


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

H.B. 3058 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to
conduct the study, while the C.S.H.B. 3058 would require the task of the
Comptroller of Public Accounts instead. 

C.S.H.B. 3058 adds Subsection (c) which requires the study to be funded by
appropriations made to the comptroller for that purpose.  

C.S.H.B. 3058 changes the deadline to submit the report of their findings
from December 1, 1998 to June 1, 1998.