SRC-JJJ S.B. 722 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 722
76R5798 CAG-DBy: Luna
Higher Education
3/30/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently,  the growing high-tech industry in the San Antonio area has
created a demand for a technologically advanced workforce.  S.B. 722 would
establish a high technology training program to be administered by the
Texas State Technical College System designed to benefit Bexar County and
the state as a whole by training a technologically advanced workforce. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 722 establishes a high technology training program by the
Texas State Technical College System. 

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 135C, Education Code, by adding Section 135.61
as follows: 

Sec. 135.61.  HIGH TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM.  Requires the board of
regents of the Texas State Technical College System (the board) to
establish a high technology training program serving Bexar County and
designed to benefit the state by training a technologically advanced
workforce for the high technology industry.  Requires the board to enter
into a joint participation agreement with any junior college district
providing services in the county in which the program is located.  Requires
the legislature to appropriate funds for the administration of and
instruction at a program established under this section on the basis of a
formula developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Requires that not more than 50 percent of the cost of  construction,
operation, and maintenance of a facility used for a program may come from
state money appropriated for that purpose.  Authorizes the board to
solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants for the use and benefit of
the program.  Provides that a program is subject to the continuing
supervision of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)and its
rules under Chapter 61. 

SECTION 2.  Requires THECB,  not later than December 1, 1999, to prepare a
report examining the initial implementation of Section 135.61, Education
Code, including the actions taken by THECB, Texas State Technical College
System, and each junior college district that has entered into a joint
participation agreement with the Texas State Technical College System under
Section 135.61. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.