MMA S.B. 128 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
S.B. 128
By: Haywood (Hirschi)
3-14-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, Midwestern State University (MSU) offers radiological sciences
degrees via teleconference to military personnel stationed out-of-state at
residential tuition rates if they began the program while stationed in
Texas.  The military often reimburses these students for their tuition,
but not their fees.  Because public institutions in Texas charge fees as
well as tuition per enrolled hour, many of the military students cannot
afford to enroll in the radiological sciences degree programs at MSU. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 128 authorizes the governing board of Midwestern State
University to set the tuition rates and exempt from fees the United States
military personnel enrolled in the bachelor of science or master of
science degree program in radiological sciences at Midwestern State
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.   Amends Section 54.058(h), Education Code, to authorize the
governing board of Midwestern State University (board) to set the resident
and nonresident tuition rates for United States military personnel
enrolled in the bachelor of science or master of science degree program in
radiological sciences at Midwestern State University at rates the board
considers appropriate. Authorizes the board to exempt those military
personnel from paying all or part of the required fees.  Prohibits the
total amount of tuition charged to a resident member of the armed forces
under this subsection to be less than the total tuition and fees charged
to resident students in the same program. Provides that military personnel
enrolled in these programs by instructional telecommunication are entitled
to pay tuition and fees as provided by the board under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.   Effective beginning with the 1997 fall semester.

SECTION 3.   Emergency clause.