BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 249
85R15262 MM-D	By: Schwertner
	Higher Education
	3/8/2017
	Committee Report (Substituted)

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. (Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.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 Sections 51.4031(a) and (d), Education Code, as follows:

(a) Requires the chief executive officer of each institution of higher education (IHE) to provide, not later than November 1 of each year, to the governing board of the IHE and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), 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.

(d) Requires THECB to provide a report received under this section to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each member of the legislature. Authorizes THECB to provide the report electronically.

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