SRC-DBM S.B. 1861 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1861 By: Sibley Higher Education 7/6/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognizes more accrediting agencies than it did in 1993. Growth in the number of accrediting agencies may expand the number and types of institutions that fit the present definition of a "private or independent institution of higher education" beyond the scope of what the legislature originally intended. S.B. 1861 will define a private or independent institution of higher education. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 1861 redefines a private or independent institution of higher education. 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 61.003(15), Education Code, to redefine "private or independent institution of higher education" to include among other entities, only a private or independent college or university that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Deletes text providing that "private or independent institution of higher education" includes only a private or independent college or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.