SRC-TNM S.B. 1578 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1578 By: Bivins State Affairs 4-13-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an 18-member gubernatorial board representing all areas of the state. Senate Rule 7.09(1) requires the director of the Legislative Budget Board to consult with the coordinating board and prepare a Higher Education Impact Statement if the director determines that a bill or joint resolution authorizes or requires a change in the classification, mission, or governance structure of an institution of higher education or would establish such an institution. S.B. 1578 would authorize the coordinating board to hold meetings to consider the impact of legislation on higher education by telephone conference call or video conference call. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1578 outlines provisions authorizing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to hold certain meetings by telephone conference call or video conference call. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 551F, Government Code, by adding Section 551.126, as follows: Sec. 551.126. HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD. Defines "board." Authorizes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (coordinating board) to hold an open meeting by telephone conference call or video conference call in order to consider a higher education impact statement (statement) if the preparation of a statement by the coordinating board is to be provided under the rules of either the house of representatives or the senate. Requires a meeting held by telephone conference call to comply with the procedures described in Section 551.125. Provides that a meeting held by video conference call is subject to the notice requirements applicable to other meetings. Sets forth requirements for a meeting held by video conference call. SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.025(b), Education Code, to require the coordinating board to hold regular quarterly meetings in the city of Austin, and other meetings at places and times scheduled by it in formal sessions and called by the chairman, except as provided by Section 551.126, Government Code. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.