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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public |
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junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address |
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regional workforce needs. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 130.0013 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 130.0013. STUDY AND REPORT; BACCALAUREATE DEGREE |
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PROGRAMS AUTHORITY. (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating |
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Board shall, using existing funds, conduct a study of regional |
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workforce needs in this state to determine the regions of the state |
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that would benefit from the authorization of baccalaureate degree |
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programs at public junior colleges serving the region and |
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appropriate metrics for determining whether a public junior college |
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should offer those degree programs. In conducting its study, the |
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coordinating board shall consult with at least one representative |
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of each of the following: |
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(1) four-year institutions of higher education; |
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(2) two-year institutions of higher education; |
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(3) regional businesses; |
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(4) professional associations; and |
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(5) any other entity the commissioner of higher |
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education considers appropriate. |
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(b) Not later than August 1, 2014, the coordinating board |
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shall submit to each legislative standing committee with primary |
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jurisdiction over higher education the results of its study under |
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this section and recommendations for legislative or other action. |
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(c) This section expires September 1, 2015. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2013. |