SRC-JJJ C.S.S.B. 636 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 636 76R8399 CAG-DBy: Bivins Education 3/4/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, Texas law allows public high school students to have the option of participating in dual credit courses. These courses allow students to receive credit at both the high school and junior college level, allowing students to get a head start on college course work while also fulfilling high school graduation requirements. C.S.S.B. 636 would expand the dual enrollment program to students enrolled at accredited private schools. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 636 authorizes concurrent enrollment agreements between junior colleges and accredited private high schools. 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 130.008, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 130.008. New heading: CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL. Authorizes a public junior college to offer a course in which a student attending a public high school or a private high school that is accredited by an organization approved by the commissioner of education for private school accreditation may enroll, under an agreement with a school district or a private high school. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Section 130.008(a), Education Code, to authorize a public junior college to offer a course in which a student attending a public or private high school may enroll, under an agreement with a school that is accredited by an organization approved by the commissioner of education for private school accreditation.