BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
School districts and institutions of higher education can strengthen their partnerships to improve participation rates in higher education.
H.B. 2550 amends current law relating to the consolidation of the Higher Education Enrollment Assistance Program and the Higher Education Assistance Plan and the transfer of certain enrollment assistance duties to institutions of higher education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in SECTION 1 (Section 51.810, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to THECB is rescinded in SECTION 2 (Sections 61.07622 and 61.088, Education Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter U, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.810, as follows:
Sec. 51.810. HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PLANS. (a) Defines "coordinating board," "institution of higher education," and "private or independent institution" in this section.
(b) Requires the institution of higher education in closest geographic proximity to a public high school in this state identified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for purposes of this section as substantially below the state average in the number of graduates who enroll in higher education institutions to enter into an agreement with that high school to develop a plan to increase the number of students from that high school enrolling in higher education institutions. Requires the institution, under the plan, to:
(1) collaborate with the high school to:
(A) provide to prospective students information related to enrollment in an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, including admissions, testing, and financial aid information;
(B) assist those prospective students in completing applications and testing related to enrollment in those institutions, including admissions and financial aid applications, and fulfilling testing requirements; and
(C) target efforts to increase the number of Hispanic students and African American male students enrolled in higher education institutions; and
(2) actively engage with local school districts to provide access to rigorous, high-quality dual credit opportunities for qualified high school students as needed.
(c) Requires an institution of higher education to include a plan developed by the institution under this section and the results of that plan in its annual report to THECB under Section 51.4032 (Annual Report of Participation in Higher Education).
(d) Requires THECB to include in its annual "Closing the Gaps" higher education plan progress report a summary of the results of the plans developed and administered under this section.
(e) Authorizes THECB to adopt rules to implement this section.
SECTION 2. Repealers: Sections 61.07622 (Higher Education Assistance Plan) and 61.088 (Higher Education Enrollment Assistance Program), Education Code.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.