MMA S.B. 1219 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
S.B. 1219
By: Patterson (Gray)
4-24-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Texas A&M University at Galveston is currently a separate system of higher
education. Universities have merged with the Texas A&M University System
in order to benefit from the economies of scale with regard to technology,
resources, and student record-keeping among others without affecting their
role, mission, or funding.  Currently, the Education Code lists Texas A&M
University at Galveston as "a special purpose institution of higher
education" under the management and control of the Texas A&M University
System board of regents.   

PURPOSE

S.B. 1219 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.  This bill will express the agreement with and
ratification by the legislature of the previous actions taken by the board
of regents to designate Texas A&M University at Galveston as a branch 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. Amends Subsection (a), Section 87.201, Education Code, by
adding language which allows the board of regents of Texas A&M University
System to designate Texas A&M University at Galveston as a branch campus
if such a designation does not alter the role or mission of Texas A&M
University at Galveston.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.