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.