H.B. 1566 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1566
By: Telford
Higher Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

For many years, the people of Texarkana have tried to bring a four-year
institution of higher education to their city.  Originally established by
the legislature in 1971 as part of the East Texas State University System,
Texas A&M University-Texarkana is authorized to offer upper division
courses only. 

In 2001, the legislature authorized the formation of a partnership between
Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana and Texarkana College.  The boards of both
institutions agreed to a draft framework for the partnership.  However,
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board determined that a key provision of the
partnership was unworkable, bringing an end to the partnership
discussions. 

Community leaders in Texarkana have decided that the most effective way to
ensure increased access to baccalaureate degree programs in Texarkana is
to expand Texas A&M University-Texarkana to a full four-year university. 

HB 1566 allows Texas A&M University-Texarkana to offer lower-division
courses, but does not require it in any year that the legislature fails to
appropriate funds. 

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 1566 amends Sections 87.571(a) and (b), Education Code, to eliminate
the upper-level designation from The Texas A&M University-Texarkana.  The
bill provides that The Texas A&M University-Texarkana may offer lower
division courses, but is not required to do so in any academic year for
which the legislature does not appropriate money. 

HB 1566 repeals Section 87.571(c), Education Code, which allows The Texas
A&M UniversityTexarkana to enter into a partnership agreement with the
Texarkana College District in the manner authorized by Subchapter N,
Chapter 51, Education Code. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.