SRC-JJJ S.B. 1261 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1261 By: Bivins Higher Education 7/26/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Last session the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) was directed to develop a common core and field of study curricula through advisory boards made up of at least a majority of faculty members. While the common core curriculum has been developed, there has been little progress in developing the field of study curriculum. S.B. 1261 will establish provisions regarding the appointment of faculty members to certain curriculum advisory committees of THECB and to the development of a field of study curricula by THECB. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 1261 establishes provisions regarding the appointment of faculty members to certain curriculum advisory committees of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and to the development of field of study curricula by THECB. 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 61.821, Education Code, by adding Subdivision (3), to define "faculty member." SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.822(a), Education Code, to require an institution to consult with the faculty of the institution before nominating or recommending a person to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) as the institution's representative on an advisory committee. SECTION 3. Amends Section 61.823(a), Education Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 4. Requires THECB to conduct a study to examine the need for and feasibility of developing a field of study curriculum in various fields of study common to institutions of higher education. Requires THECB to report the results to certain individuals, not later than September 1, 2000. SECTION 5. Provides that each advisory committee established by THECB must include a majority of faculty members, not later than January 1, 2000. SECTION 6. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.