BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 331

By: West

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that, in some instances, a private or independent institution of higher education that loses its accreditation but is on track to restore its accreditation may be granted temporary approval to continue participating in the tuition equalization grant program. S.B. 331 seeks to increase the number of possible renewals of that approval.

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

S.B. 331 amends the Education Code to increase from once to twice the number of times the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may renew the temporary approval for a private or independent institution of higher education that no longer holds the requisite accreditation but satisfies certain other qualifications to continue to participate in the tuition equalization grant program.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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