Honorable J. M. Lozano, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3629 by Bonnen, Dennis (Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the Brazosport College District to offer a baccalaureate degree program in nursing.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Education Code to allow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to authorize a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Brazosport College.
It is assumed that there would be a cost to General Revenue from increased formula funding to Brazosport College under the provisions of the bill, due to additional students enrolling in the nursing program generating additional contact hours. This cost would not be seen until at least fiscal year 2020, as formula funding is provided based on student data prior to the biennium to be funded. The amount of additional formula funding would depend on the level of enrollment in the nursing program at Brazosport College.
It is assumed there could be a decrease in formula funding and tuition and fee revenue at certain institutions resulting from students who choose to enroll in the nursing program at Brazosport College instead of at a general academic or health related institution. However, this decrease is not assumed to be significant.
The bill would take effect immediately if it received a two-thirds vote, otherwise it would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
Based on information provided by Brazosport College, the establishment of a nursing baccalaureate degree program under the provisions of the bill could result in a significant fiscal impact for the college to cover start-up and operating costs. Such costs include, but are not limited to, securing proper accreditation, upgrading facilities and libraries to accommodate upper division coursework, and costs associated with faculty salary and workload. However, this analysis assumes that these costs would be paid out of local institutional funds.