H.B. 757 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 757
By: Giddings
Higher Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Higher Education Assistance Pilot Program was established to provide
prospective students assistance in completing applications related to
enrollment at institutions of higher education, including admissions and
financial aid applications.  Currently, the program targets three areas of
the state that have the lowest college attendance rates.  House Bill 757
will make permanent the pilot program in order to provide assistance with
information, admissions, and enrollment at institutions of higher
education. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 757 will make permanent the Higher Education Assistance Pilot Program
and rename it as the Higher Education Assistance Program.  Provides that
not later than December 1 of each evennumbered year, the board shall
submit to the legislature a report on the effectiveness of the program. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of
all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article
III, Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary
for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and has the
effect of reenacting, amending, and renumbering Section  61.088, Education
Code, as added by Chapter 795, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2001.