84R896 JRJ-D By: Guillen H.B. No. 935 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of baccalaureate degree programs offered by public junior colleges. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 130.0012, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (k) to read as follows: (e) In determining what baccalaureate degree programs are to be offered, the coordinating board shall: (1) apply the same criteria and standards the coordinating board uses to approve baccalaureate degree programs at general academic teaching institutions; and (2) consider the following factors: (A) [(1)] the need for the degree programs in the region served by the junior college; (B) [(2)] how those degree programs would complement the other programs and course offerings of the junior college; (C) [(3)] whether those degree programs would unnecessarily duplicate the degree programs offered by other institutions of higher education; and (D) [(4)] the ability of the junior college to support the program and the adequacy of the junior college's facilities, faculty, administration, libraries, and other resources. (k) In this section, "general academic teaching institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. 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, 2015.