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.