Amend CSSB 1987 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____.  (a) In this section, "board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(b)  The board shall conduct a study on the accreditation of institutions of higher education in this state. The study must include an assessment of:

(1)  the costs, including any fees, associated with accreditation;

(2)  the accreditation cycle and timeline;

(3)  any accelerated accreditation processes;

(4)  the responsiveness of accrediting agencies to institutions;

(5)  the capacity of accrediting agencies to serve additional institutions;

(6)  differences between accrediting agency standards; and

(7)  evidence demonstrating an accrediting agency's focus on educational and labor market outcomes for students enrolled in an institution accredited by the agency.

(c)  Not later than November 1, 2024, the board shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each legislative committee with primary jurisdiction over higher education a written report on the results of the board's study under this section. The report must include:

(1)  an examination of the impact of recent changes to federal regulations and policies related to accreditation;

(2)  a review of existing accrediting agencies; and

(3)  a framework to assist institutions of higher education in this state in the selection of an accrediting agency that includes an explanation of the potential costs and savings to institutions from transitioning to a new accrediting agency.

(d)  This section expires January 1, 2025.