HBA-GUM S.B. 1853 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1853 By: Bivins Higher Education 5/14/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Senate Interim Committee on Funding Issues in Education was directed to study the factors affecting undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates at public colleges and universities in Texas after the 75th Texas Legislative Session. The study revealed that Texas' high school graduates enroll in colleges and universities at about the same rate as their national counterparts, and that the graduation rate from Texas' colleges and universities is substantially lower than the national average. Accurately determining the completion rate of students attending two-year colleges is difficult because some students do not attend with the intent of earning a degree or certificate. Students attend community colleges to acquire a certificate or degree, transfer credit to another institution, take an occasional course, or receive basic literacy. The state does not distinguish for which reason a person attends community colleges, yet decisions concerning appropriations and loans are based upon the assumption that most students are pursuing a certificate or degree. S.B. 1853 requires public junior colleges to report on the degree, certificate, or other enrollment status of public junior college students. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, by adding Section 130.0036, as follows: Sec. 130.0036. REPORT ON STUDENT ENROLLMENT STATUS. (a) Requires a junior college district to report to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (coordinating board) on the enrollment status of students of the junior college district in the form and manner and at the times required by the coordinating board. Sets forth the information the report must include. (b) Requires the coordinating board to attempt to avoid duplicating other reporting requirements applicable to junior college districts in administering this section. Requires the coordinating board to consult with the governing boards of the state's junior college districts in determining the form, manner, and times of reports under this section. SECTION 2. Requires junior college districts to report as required by Section 130.0036, Education Code, beginning with the 1999 fall semester. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days upon adjournment.