SRC-CTC C.S.H.B. 1685 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1685 77R14438 KEL-DBy: Rangel (Bivins) Education 5/3/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amends Engrossed H.B. 1685 by adding proposed text relating to the conditions under which certain institutions may establish partnerships or affiliations.