SRC-CTC H.B. 1685 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1685
By: Rangel (Bivins)
Education
4/29/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

State law gives oversight of state-supported universities and community
colleges to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (board).  The
board advises the legislature on the initiation of new departments,
schools, and programs, administers the state's financial aid programs, and
approves new academic programs and degrees.  H.B. 1685 authorizes the
governing boards of general academic teaching institutions or medical or
dental schools to establish a partnership or affiliation with other
entities to offer or conduct courses for academic credit or to offer degree
programs. 

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 61.055, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 61.055.  New heading: INITIATION OF NEW DEPARTMENTS, SCHOOLS AND
PROGRAMS; PARTNERSHIPS OR AFFILIATIONS.  Authorizes a general academic
teaching institution or medical and dental unit to establish a partnership
or affiliation with another entity to offer or conduct courses for academic
credit or to offer or operate a degree program under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act does not affect a partnership
established before the effective date of this Act. 

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