BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 303

79R801 KEL-D                                                                                                                    By: Ellis

                                                                                                                    S/C on Higher Education

3/2/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Since the decision of the United States Supreme Court in the University of Michigan case on affirmative action, case law now provides that it is acceptable to use race as a factor in admissions to institutions of higher education.  Currently, public universities must publish and make available to the public a description of all considered admissions factors not later than one year before the date the applications for admission are first considered.

S.B. 303 amends the admissions process by reducing from 365 to 180 the number of days required for notice of factors used in admissions and scholarship decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.

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 51.805(d), Education Code, to change the one year deadline for applications for admission to be considered under this section to a 180-day deadline.  Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 51.842(d), Education Code, to make a conforming change.

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005-2006 academic year.

SECTION 4.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.