SRC-MKV S.B. 1814 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1814
By: Ellis, Rodney
Education
6/11/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law allows each university system board of regents to set a tuition
rate for graduate programs and professional pharmacy programs at a level
two times the rate specified in statute.  For a professional pharmacy
program, this results in a tuition rate of $80 per semester credit hour.
Law programs are able to set rates at $160 per semester credit hour.
Concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of the current rates
and the ability of Texas professional pharmacy and law programs to remain
competitive with other nationally-recognized programs.  S.B. 1814 amends
current law to allow each board of regents to set a rate of tuition for law
and professional pharmacy programs at a level three times that specified in
statute.  The bill is permissive and does not mandate a change in fees.   

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 54.008, Education Code, by amending Subsections
(a) and (f), and adding Subsection (g), as follows: 

 (a)  Makes a conforming change.

(f) Adds language to require the governing board of an institution of
higher education to set tuition for a graduate or professional pharmacy
program at the institution at a rate that is at least equal to the rate
prescribed by Subchapter B but not more than three times the rate
prescribed by Subchapter B. 

(g) Requires the governing board of an institution of higher education to
set tuition for a law school at the institution at a rate that is at least
equal to the rate prescribed by Subchapter B but not more than three times
the rate prescribed by Subchapter B. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.