83R10210 KEL-D
 
  By: Branch H.B. No. 3518
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to long-term statewide planning to achieve the goals of
  the state's master plan for higher education, "Closing the Gaps."
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 61.0518 to read as follows:
         Sec. 61.0518.  LONG-TERM MASTER PLAN. (a) The board shall
  periodically develop a long-term statewide master plan for higher
  education to assess and make recommendations regarding the state's
  ability to meet the state's goals in providing access to and success
  in higher education to residents of this state. Each plan must
  establish goals and strategies for a period of 15 years.
         (b)  The long-term statewide master plan must supplement any
  other master plan established under Section 61.051.
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a long-term statewide
  master plan for higher education that is established by the board
  for a period beginning on or after September 1, 2013, must cover the
  period ending September 1, 2036, with reevaluations of goals and
  strategies to occur periodically during the plan's operation. This
  subsection expires December 31, 2036.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2013.