BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3629

By: Bonnen, Dennis

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Interested parties suggest that additional efforts are needed to address the ongoing shortage of health care providers in Texas. H.B. 3629 seeks to advance one such effort by requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize a baccalaureate degree program in the field of nursing to be offered by the Brazosport College District.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 3629 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize a baccalaureate degree program in the field of nursing to be offered by the Brazosport College District. The bill establishes that offering such a baccalaureate degree program does not otherwise alter the role and mission of a public junior college.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.