BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 532

79R4422 KEL-D                                                                                                             By: Shapiro

S/C on Higher Education

4/16/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the governing board of a community college district sets the college's tuition and fee structure, but does not have the authority to set different tuition rates for programs and courses.  By allowing the flexibility of differential tuition, community colleges would have the authority to consider tuition rates appropriate to increase completion rates, encourage efficient use of facilities, and enhance employee performance.

S.B. 532 gives the governing board of a public junior college the authority to set different tuition rates for programs, courses, or course levels offered by the institution.

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 54.051(n), Education Code, to authorize the governing board of a public junior college to set a different tuition rate for each program, course, or course level offered by the institution, including a program, course, or course level described by another provision of this section.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005 fall semester.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.