BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 249
85R2700 MM-D	By: Schwertner
	Higher Education
	3/3/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the chief executive officer of each institution of higher education must provide the governing board of the institution a report for the preceding academic year that examines the affordability and access of the institution. This report includes information on tuition and fees, criteria for admittance and financial assistance, a student demographics analysis, and comparisons of the institution with peer institutions in this state and in other states with respect to affordability and access.

S.B. 249 requires the chief executive officer of each institution of higher education to provide a copy of this report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, and each member of the legislature in addition to their governing board. These reports contain critical information regarding the most essential characteristics of our higher education system�affordability and access�and each member of the legislature should have the opportunity to review this overview of Texas' institutions of higher education.

As proposed, S.B. 249 amends current law relating to the submission of an affordability and access report by public institutions of higher education.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.4031(a), Education Code, to require the chief executive officer of each institution of higher education (IHE) to provide to the governing board of the IHE, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each member of the legislature, rather than to the governing board of the IHE, a report for the preceding fall, spring, and summer semesters that examines the affordability and access of the IHE.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.