HBA- CBW S.B. 573 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 573
By: Bivins
Higher Education
3/18/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Over the past five years, enrollments in Texas public universities and
public community and technical colleges have increased according to the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Between 1995 and 1999, public
university fall semester enrollment increased by 6,441 students or 1.6
percent, and public community and technical college enrollment increased by
26,716 students or 6.5 percent.  In public universities, the number of
black and hispanic students increased by 7,789 students or 7.1 percent
while the number of white students declined by 10,430 or 4.1 percent.  For
community and technical colleges, enrollment of black and hispanic students
increased by 25,608 students or 17.5 percent while enrollment of white
students declined by 5,409 students or 2.3 percent. Currently, projected
enrollment increases are not sufficient to meet the state goal of enrolling
500,000 more students in higher education by 2015.  Senate Bill 573
requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish a
statewide public awareness campaign to increase the number of students
enrolled at higher education institutions in Texas. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 573 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board (board) to establish a statewide public
awareness campaign to promote the value and availability of higher
education.  The campaign may include information on: 

 _the benefits of obtaining a postsecondary education; 
 
 _the types of institutions of higher education and degree programs
available; 
 
 _the academic preparation needed to pursue a postsecondary education and
any other requirements for enrollment at an institution of higher
education; and 
 
 _how to obtain financial aid and what forms of financial aid are available.

The bill establishes that the campaign must target primary and secondary
school students, with priority given to targeting students from groups or
backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
The bill authorizes the board to coordinate with other agencies as
necessary to develop and implement the campaign, and to use any available
revenue to undertake the campaign.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.