SRC-DPW H.B. 888 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 888 76R8345 CAG-DBy: Gray (Jackson) Education 4/27/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law prohibits Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMU Galveston) from offering graduate level instruction. This bill would authorize TAMU Galveston to offer graduate level instruction, provided that the institution receives approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to do so. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 888 authorizes Texas A&M University at Galveston to offer graduate level instruction. 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 Section 87.201(a), Education Code, to provide that Texas A&M University (TAMU Galveston) at Galveston is a special purpose institution of higher education for graduate instruction in marine and maritime studies. SECTION 2. Authorizes TAMU Galveston to offer graduate instruction under Section 87.201(a), Education Code, only if the institution's plans to offer graduate instruction have been reviewed and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.