SRC-MWN S.B. 149 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 149
By: Carona
Education
5/21/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The statute governing Tuition Equalization Grant program contains
out-of-date or unclear language. S.B. 149 updates names and statutory
references to clarify program requirements in light of recent actions taken
by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. 

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 Sections 61.221 and 61.222, Education Code as follows:

Sec. 61.221. TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANTS AUTHORIZED.  Authorizes the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (coordinating board), rather than the
Texas College and University System, to provide tuition equalization grants
to Texas residents enrolled in any approved private Texas college or
university, based on student financial need, but not to exceed a grant
amount of more than that specified in the appropriation by the legislature. 

Sec. 61.222. APPROVED INSTITUTIONS.  Requires the coordinating board to
approve only those private or independent colleges or universities that are
private or independent institutions of higher education as defined by
Section 61.003, rather than associations, agencies, institutions, and
facilities, or are located within this state and meet the same program
standards and accreditation as, rather than comparable to, public
institutions of higher education as determined by the coordinating board. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.227(a), Education Code, to delete text
regarding a student application and enrollment report. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.