HBA-JLV S.B. 1840 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1840 By: Van de Putte Higher Education 5/18/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio are separate institutions within The University of Texas System. Merging them may better serve the educational needs of San Antonio as well as helping those institutions draw more state and federal funds. Senate Bill 1840 requires the board of regents of The University of Texas System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study evaluating the benefits of operating The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as a single research university. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 1840 amends the Education Code to require the board of regents of The University of Texas System (board) with the assistance of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility and potential benefits of operating The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as a single research university. In conducting the study, the board is required to consult with students, faculty, and administrators at both institutions, identify and evaluate the potential benefits and advantages concerning the proposed changes, and evaluate and make recommendations concerning any legal, administrative, or practical problems concerning the proposed change. The board is required to complete the study and report the results to the legislature on or before October 1, 2002. The report must include the board's recommendations concerning the proposed change in the operation of the institutions and, if the board determines appropriate, must establish a proposed timeline for implementing the proposed change and identify specific actions necessary to implement the proposed change. The provisions of the bill expire September 1, 2003. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.