BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1475

79R6052 KSD-D                                                                                                         By: Shapleigh

S/C on Higher Education

4/9/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, deregulated higher education tuition to allow Texas colleges and universities the ability to increase their tuition.  However, some institutions, after increasing tuition, have made no significant progress in regard to graduation and remediation rates and are still in need of substantial improvement.  Thus the cost of tuition is rising without corresponding increases in educational performance measures. 

As proposed, S.B. 1475 requires certain colleges or universities to undergo a performance review by the Legislative Budget Board to streamline the institution's performance and create a more cost-effective system.

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, Education Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(g)   Prohibits a general academic teaching institution, notwithstanding Subsection (a) and except as provided by this subsection, from increasing the amount of tuition charged under this section for any program or course level unless the Legislative Budget Board has conducted a performance review of the institution as provided by Section 322.0165, Government Code, and reported the board's findings and recommendations to the institution relating to the appropriateness and effects of the tuition increase.  Provides that this subsection applies to an institution that meets certain criteria.

SECTION 2.Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005