BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 649
By: Shapleigh
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso is currently expanding into a full, four-year medical school. The University of Texas-El Paso has many programs related to allied health. Sharing biological and biomedical resources between these institutions as it relates to biomedical education, training, and research may provide students a bridge from undergraduate to graduate work for life sciences.
Other institutions of higher education in this state are likely in similar situations as the University of Texas-El Paso and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso. A report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) will help determine how these institutions can maximize their resources and offer the best services to students in a cost effective manner. Efficient use of resources will help institutions keep tuition affordable for students, thus increasing access to higher education for Texas students.
S.B. 649 authorizes THECB to submit a written report to the legislature analyzing the ability of institutions of higher education to enter into partnerships involving the joint use of faculty, facilities, and joint degree programs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0661, as follows:
Sec. 61.0661. STUDY OF JOINT PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. (a) Authorizes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to conduct a study to determine whether institutions of higher education (institutions), including component institutions of different university systems, may effectively enter into joint partnership agreements to develop certain programs, make certain personnel appointments, and maintain certain facilities.
(b) Requires THECB, if it conducts a study under Subsection (a), to report to the legislature concerning the results of the study conducted under Subsection (a), not later than January 1, 2009. Requires the report to include THECB's recommendations for implementing effective joint partnerships between institutions.
(c) Authorizes THECB to take action under this section only to the extent existing resources are available for that purpose.
(d) Provides that this section expires June 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.