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.