SRC-JEC S.B. 1542 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1542 By: Shapiro Education 4/4/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, colleges and universities have limited options in situations of budget shortfall. As proposed, S.B. 1542 allows schools to charge more for "designated tuition," one of the many elements of a university's fee and tuition structure. It also allows an institution's governing body to set different tuition rates for different programs and for certain purposes. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.0513(b), Education Code, to authorize a governing board of an institution of higher education, in addition to amounts that is authorizes [sic] to charge as tuition under the provisions of this chapter, to charge as designated tuition in an academic year an amount not to exceed three times that amount charged under Sections 54.051 or 54.0512, as applicable, in that academic year. Authorizes a governing body, under this section, to set a different tuition rate for each program offered by each institution of higher education. Also authorizes a governing board to set a different tuition rate to increase graduation rates, to encourage efficient facilities utilization, and to enhance employee performance. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.