SRC-DBM S.B. 1861 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1861
By: Sibley
Higher Education
4/20/1999
As Filed


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 would define a private or independent institution of
higher education. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, 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.