By: Ellis, et al. S.B. No. 414
 
  (S. Davis of Harris, Branch)
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public
  junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address
  regional workforce needs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 130.0013 to read as follows:
         Sec. 130.0013.  STUDY AND REPORT; BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
  PROGRAMS AUTHORITY. (a)  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating
  Board shall, using existing funds, conduct a study of regional
  workforce needs in this state to determine the regions of the state
  that would benefit from the authorization of baccalaureate degree
  programs at public junior colleges serving the region and
  appropriate metrics for determining whether a public junior college
  should offer those degree programs.  In conducting its study, the
  coordinating board shall consult with at least one representative
  of each of the following:
               (1)  four-year institutions of higher education;
               (2)  two-year institutions of higher education;
               (3)  regional businesses;
               (4)  professional associations; and
               (5)  any other entity the commissioner of higher
  education considers appropriate.
         (b)  Not later than August 1, 2014, the coordinating board
  shall submit to each legislative standing committee with primary
  jurisdiction over higher education the results of its study under
  this section and recommendations for legislative or other action.
         (c)  This section expires September 1, 2015.
         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.