SRC-MKV S.B. 1814 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1814 77R12887 JSA-DBy: Ellis, Rodney Education 4/24/2001 As Filed 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 professional pharmacy, 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. As proposed, 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 such 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 Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (g), as follows: (a) Makes a conforming change. (g) Requires the governing board of an institution of higher education to set tuition for a law school or graduate 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. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.