BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 692
	By: Zaffirini; Hinojosa
	Subcommittee on Higher Education
	4/18/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, there is a strong need for professionals in the child and family development field in the Rio Grande Valley. Specifically, South Texas College projects a 33.1 percent growth in the field from 2022 to 2032 in the area, and 17,393 new jobs statewide by 2032. Unfortunately, the nearest comparable program is located 113 miles away at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Accordingly, S.B. 692 would allow South Texas College to offer a sixth baccalaureate degree program in child and family development. This program would prepare students for a range of career paths, including managing child care centers, coordinating social and community services, and teaching preschool.

As proposed, S.B. 692 amends current law relating to baccalaureate degree programs offered by certain public junior colleges.

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 130.306, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (b), as follows:

(a) Creates an exception under Subsection (b) to the requirement that a public junior college offering a baccalaureate program offer no more than five baccalaureate programs at any time.

(b) Prohibits South Texas College from offering, at any time, more than six baccalaureate degree programs under Subchapter L (Baccalaureate Degree Programs). Requires that the sixth baccalaureate degree program be a bachelor of applied science degree in child and family development.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.