BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3640

By: Pitts

Appropriations

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Texas State Technical College (TSTC) System is a system of coeducational, two-year institutions of higher education offering courses of study in technical-vocational education. Interested parties identify increasing demand for such education in Texas and note that TSTC is the only state-supported technical college system in Texas and has demonstrated success in fulfilling its statewide role and mission.

Ellis County is experiencing rapid growth and a growing need for postsecondary educational opportunities for its residents and those of surrounding counties. Interested parties contend that developing and offering highly specialized technical programs, with an emphasis on meeting the state's industrial and technological labor needs, will have long-term benefits for both the county and the state. H.B. 3640 seeks to provide those opportunities by creating a new TSTC extension center in Ellis County.

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. 3640 amends the Education Code to include an extension center in Ellis County among the components of the Texas State Technical College System.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.