SRC-JBJ S.C.R. 78 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 78 By: West Education 5/12/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, a highly educated citizenry is critical to the state in order to sustain its economy. In recent years, the governor and the legislature have focused significant resources and attention on the state's K-12 public education system in an effort to ensure that all children receive an education and to yield substantially improved academic performance and higher standardized test scores. In the past, a strong system of education in Texas has produced preeminent accomplishments in leadership, a productive citizenry, and advances in the sciences and the arts. A Special Commission on Twenty-First Century Colleges and Universities may help to ensure that a system of higher education is successful in the twenty-first century. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 78 submit the following resolutions: That the 76th Legislature create the Special Commission on Twenty-First Century Colleges and Universities (commission) to study the systems and institutions of higher education in the state, such as funding mechanisms, accessibility and affordability, historical retention measures, and the role of technology; and That the commission be composed of 15 members appointed by certain state executives who will serve as honorary co-chairs, and that the commission may appoint committees, hold certain meetings, and procure goods and services; and That the Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Council, the Governor's Office, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Auditor's Office, the senate, and the house of representatives be authorized to provide staff support to the commission; and That the commission is authorized to issue process, have all powers and duties provided to special committees, and the Senate and House Rules of Procedure; to request the assistance of all stage agencies, departments, offices, and institutions of higher education; and to inspect the records, documents, and files of those agencies; and That the commission members may be reimbursed for certain expenses, while their operating expenses may be paid from the funds of the senate, the house of representatives, the Texas Legislative Council, but may also accepts gifts, grants, and donations; and That the commission make a complete report to the legislature by November 1, 2000, with the necessary copies distributed at that time.