Honorable John Zerwas, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1583 by Clardy (Relating to block scheduling for associate degree and certificate programs at public junior colleges.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require each public junior college to establish a block schedule curriculum for each associate degree or certificate program offered by the college. The bill would require each public junior college to publish the available block schedule curricula for each associate degree or certificate program offered by the college prior to the beginning of the semester.
Based on information provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, providing block scheduling for all programs may lead to greater enrollment in community college programs, resulting in additional contact hours and success points. This may result in an additional cost to General Revenue due to increased formula costs for community colleges beginning in fiscal year 2018, however, the potential increase in contact hours and the resulting formula funding cost is unknown.
Local Government Impact
Based on information provided by Dallas County Community College and Tyler Junior College, any costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.