BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2045

By: Williams

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 1995, the Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) was established as a separate state agency and as an educational center of Lamar University, a member of the Texas State University System. LIT received separate regional accreditation status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2000. 

Previous allocations for LIT from the higher education fund have been calculated in conjunction with that of Lamar University because of the language in statute naming LIT as an "educational center" of Lamar University. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's higher education fund committee determined that LIT is not eligible for separate funding because it is not a named institution of higher education in either the Texas Constitution or the Education Code.

S.B. 2045 requires the Texas State University System board of regents to establish and maintain a lower-division institution of higher education as a separate degree-granting institution to be known as Lamar Institute of Technology.

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

S.B. 2045 amends the Education Code to require the Texas State University System board of regents to establish and maintain, in the city of Beaumont, a lower-division institution of higher education as a separate degree-granting institution to be known as Lamar Institute of Technology.  The bill removes a provision that requires the institute's establishment and maintenance as an educational center of Lamar University.

S.B. 2045 repeals Section 96.703(c), Education Code, authorizing the board of regents to expend funds allocated to Lamar University from the higher education fund for Lamar Institute of Technology.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.