SRC-CTC C.S.H.B. 1645 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1645
By: Delisi (Nelson)
Education
5/11/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law requires each undergraduate student entering an institution of
higher education who does not achieve certain scores on the Texas
Assessment of Academic Skills test, American College Test, or Scholastic
Assessment Test to take the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) test to
assess whether the student's skill level is adequate to perform effectively
in an undergraduate degree program.  There are several exemptions from this
requirement, including students enrolled in distance learning outside the
state, deaf students, students who have graduated with a baccalaureate
degree, and students who are enrolled in a certificate program of one year
or less.   C.S.H.B. 1645 exempts a transfer student from an accredited
out-of-state institution of higher education who has met requirements of
certain skill areas from the TASP test requirement. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 51.306, Education Code, by adding Subsection (x)
to set forth to whom this subsection applies.  Provides that a transfer
student is exempt from the requirements of this section under certain
conditions.  Prohibits a transferred course from being considered for
purposes of this subsection unless the transfer student submits to the
institution of higher education a transcript reflecting the grade earned in
the course. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends Engrossed H.B. 1645 by removing proposed changes to Section
51.306(r), Education Code, and adding proposed text of Section 51.306(x),
Education Code.