MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Monday, September 12, 2016

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Higher Education was held on Monday, September 12, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kel Seliger, Chair	Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Royce West, Vice Chair	Senator Konni Burton
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Kirk Watson

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out and made opening remarks on the following interim charges:

Study regional workforce needs in the state and make recommendations on whether metrics should be applied to authorize public community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees in order to meet the regional workforce needs.

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: (1) Initiatives designed to create effective, clear transfer pathways for students, including the newly enacted multidisciplinary studies associate degree; (2) Implementation and progress of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program; and (3) The progress of the pilot program enacted by the 83rd legislature relating to improving student loan default rates and financial aid literacy among postsecondary students.

Senator West moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on August 23, 2016; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair then called invited testimony (see attached witness list).

At 12:58 PM Senator West assumed the chair.

At 1:06 PM Senator Seliger resumed the chair.

The chair then opened public testimony (see attached witness list).

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:18 PM Senator Seliger moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kel Seliger, Chair

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Daniel Warner, Clerk