By: Ellis, et al. S.B. No. 414
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public
junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address
regional workforce needs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 130.0013 to read as follows:
Sec. 130.0013. STUDY AND REPORT; BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
PROGRAMS AUTHORITY. (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board shall, using existing funds, conduct a study of regional
workforce needs in this state to determine the regions of the state
that would benefit from the authorization of baccalaureate degree
programs at public junior colleges serving the region and
appropriate metrics for determining whether a public junior college
should offer those degree programs. In conducting its study, the
coordinating board shall consult with at least one representative
of each of the following:
(1) four-year institutions of higher education;
(2) two-year institutions of higher education;
(3) regional businesses;
(4) professional associations; and
(5) any other entity the commissioner of higher
education considers appropriate.
(b) Not later than August 1, 2014, the coordinating board
shall submit to each legislative standing committee with primary
jurisdiction over higher education the results of its study under
this section and recommendations for legislative or other action.
(c) This section expires September 1, 2015.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.