SRC-HRD S.B. 572 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 572 By: Fraser Finance 4-13-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the University of Central Texas does not operate as part of the Texas A&M System. This bill would transfer governance of the university to the Texas A&M University System and rename the school the "Public University for Central Texas." The university would be an upper division, public university empowered to grant baccalaureate and master's degree, and would focus on local student needs. This bill provides for the transference of the university to the Texas A&M System and sets forth provisions regarding the transference and the creation of the Public University for Central Texas. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 572 transfers the governance of the University of Central Texas to the Texas A&M University System, and renames the Public University for Central Texas. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System in SECTIONS 2(c) and 8 (Section 87.822(a), Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. TRANSFER OF GOVERNANCE. Sets forth provisions regarding the transfer of the University of Central Texas to the Texas A&M University System. Provides that if certain conditions are met the transfer is effective September 1, 1997, and is governed by SECTIONS 2 through 7 of this Act. Requires the institution, when the transfer takes effect, to be known as the Public University for Central Texas until the board of regents assigns the institution a different name. SECTION 2. POWERS AND DUTIES; RULES AND POLICIES. Sets forth the responsibilities of the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System for the university. Authorizes the university to continue to award degrees in the same disciplines and same academic standing as the University of Central Texas. Provides that new degree programs at the university are subject to the approval process applicable to other public institutions of higher education. Provides that rules and policies adopted by the board of regents of the University of Central Texas that are in effect when the transfer takes effect are continued until amended by the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System. Requires the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System to adopt rules and policies applicable to the Public University for Central Texas in anticipation of the transfer authorized by this Act. SECTION 3 CONTRACTS AND WRITTEN OBLIGATIONS. Sets forth provisions applicable after the transfer regarding contracts and written obligations entered into by the board of regents of the University of Central Texas. SECTION 4. EFFECTS OF TRANSFER ON EMPLOYEES. Requires a person who is an employee of the University of Central Texas as of the effective date of the transfer to be treated the same as any other new employee of the Texas A&M University System with the exception that each employee be given credit for all prior years of service at the University of Central Texas for the purposes of annual leave accrual rates as state employees. SECTION 5. CURRENT FUNDING. Sets forth provisions regarding funding after the effective date of the transfer. SECTION 6. EFFECT OF TRANSFER ON STUDENTS. Provides that the transfer of the University of Central Texas to the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System does not affect the credit hours earned by students at the University of Central Texas before the effective date of this Act. SECTION 7. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. Provides that it is the intent of the legislature that the effect of this Act is to transfer governance of the existing University of Central Texas from the board of regents of the nonprofit corporation to the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System. Provides that this Act does not create an institution of higher education entitled to funds under Section 17 and 18, Article VII, Texas Constitution. Provides that on and after the effective date of the transfer, the Public University for Central Texas is not eligible to receive funds under Section 17 or 18, Article VII, Texas Constitution, until otherwise provided by law. SECTION 8. AMENDMENT. Provides that if the transfer authorized by SECTION 1 of this Act takes effect, effective September 1, 1997, Chapter 87, Education Code, by adding Subchapter J, as follows: SUBCHAPTER J. PUBLIC UNIVERSITY FOR CENTRAL TEXAS Sec. 87.821. PUBLIC UNIVERSITY FOR CENTRAL TEXAS. Provides that the Public University for Central Texas is a coeducational upper-level educational institution located in the city of Killeen. Provides that the institution is a component institution of the Texas A&M University System and is under the management and control of the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System. Provides that the board of directors of the Texas A&M System (board) has the same powers and duties concerning the Public University for Central Texas as are conferred on the board by law concerning Texas A&M University. Sec. 87.822. POWERS OF BOARD. Sets forth the powers of the board in respect to prescribing courses, awarding degrees, entering into an affiliation or coordination agreement with another entity, making joint appointments, and adopting rules. Requires the salary of a person who receives a joint appointment under Subsection (a)(4) to be apportioned among the institutions to which the individual is appointed on the basis of the services rendered. SECTION 9. REPEALER. Repealer: Chapter 1255, Acts of the 71st Legislature (Central Texas University), as amended by Chapter 37, Acts of the 71st Legislature (Central Texas University), and Chapter 800, Acts of the 72nd Legislature (Central Texas University). SECTION 10. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.