BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1055
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
A rigorous supply and demand analysis of future college and university faculty will provide useful information necessary to make informed decisions regarding higher education, institutions of higher education, and the academic programs of higher education, and provide a benchmark for how colleges are doing in meeting their academic goals. Currently, there is no law requiring a study to determine the state's faculty needs.
As proposed, S.B. 1055 establishes a commission to study the state's future needs for faculty members at colleges and universities focusing on the supply and demand for faculty.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.4022, as follows:
Sec. 51.4022. COMMISSION TO STUDY AND REPORT ON PROJECTED NEED FOR FACULTY. (a) Defines "general academic teaching institution," "medical and dental unit," "private or independent institution of higher education," "public junior college," and "public state college."
(b) Establishes a commission to conduct a study of the need for faculty at public and private institutions of higher education in this state as projected through the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.
(c) Requires the commission to be composed of nine members. Sets forth the entities from which a representative is to be appointed by the commissioner of higher education, not later than October 1, 2007. Requires that the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives to each appoint one member with expertise concerning higher education in this state, not later than October 1, 2007. Requires the state demographer to be included as a member of the commission.
(d) Authorizes the commission to request assistance and information, other than confidential information relating to an identifiable individual, from any public institution of higher education or other state agency. Requires an institution or other state agency to provide the assistance and information requested to the extent practicable.
(e) Require the expenses of the commission to be paid in equal amounts from the contingent expense accounts of the senate and house of representatives, or as otherwise agreed to by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Provides that the members of the commission serve without compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out the commission's duties.
(f) Requires the commission to study certain factors relating to faculty members at public and private institutions of higher education.
(g) Requires the commission to prepare a report based on the study required by this section. Requires the commission to report to certain government officials and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board not later than September 1, 2008.
(h) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.