H.B. 1206 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1206 By: Dukes Public Education Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It is important to provide middle, junior and high school students with information about higher education options that are available to them so that they are able to make informed decisions about their future. To this end, House Bill 1206 requires schools to designate one week of the school year as "Higher Education is in Your Future Week", wherein information regarding higher education options will be disseminated. There will also be information given about requirements for admission to institutions of higher education and there will be discussions on the availability of financial aid and the requirements for obtaining that aid. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1206 amends the Education Code to create Higher Education is in Your Future Week. Schools will designate one week during the school year to promote higher education. The week will emphasize available higher education options; requirements for admission to institutions of higher education; availability of financial aid; and guest speakers shall also be invited to make presentations about career options that require higher education. This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school year. EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003.