BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3974

By: Hunter

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Education Code exempts certain schools or educational programs from proprietary school certification requirements.  Sea Academy, Inc., in Aransas Pass, Texas, is an example of a school that qualifies for such an exemption as a school or training program that offers instruction of purely avocational or recreational subjects.  

In its 2005 base realignment and closure recommendations, the Department of Defense recommended the closure of Naval Station Ingleside (NSI).  With the imminent closure of NSI, there has been an increase in the number of workers seeking to take courses at Sea Academy in order to obtain licenses to operate tugboats and other large vessels.  However, if Sea Academy were to offer vocational courses, the school would lose its exemption. 

Currently, aviation schools and instructors approved and supervised by the Federal Aviation Association qualify for an exemption from proprietary school certification.  Similarly, Sea Academy is approved and supervised by the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Coast Guard.    

H.B. 3974 adds to the list of schools and educational institutions eligible for exemption from proprietary school certification requirements a maritime school that is approved by and is under the supervision of the United States Coast Guard.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3974 amends the Education Code to add to the list of schools and educational institutions eligible for exemption from proprietary school certification requirements a maritime school that is approved by and is under the supervision of the United States Coast Guard.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009