TITLE: Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 130.0012, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (b-4), (e-1), and (g-1) and amending Subsections (e) and (h) to read as follows: (b-4) The coordinating board may authorize baccalaureate degree programs under this section at one or more public junior colleges that offer a degree program in the field of nursing and have demonstrated a workforce need. Offering a baccalaureate degree program under this subsection does not otherwise alter the role and mission of a public junior college. (e) In determining whether a public junior college may offer [what] baccalaureate degree programs and what degree programs may [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 workforce 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 and whether the associate degree program offered by the junior college in the same field has been successful;(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 degree programs with student enrollment [program] and the adequacy of the junior college's facilities, faculty, administration, libraries, and other resources. (e-1) A public junior college may offer a baccalaureate degree program under this section only if its junior college district meets the taxable property valuation amount established in Section 130.032. (g-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (g), a degree program created under Subsection (b-4) may be funded only by a public junior college's proportionate share of state appropriations under Section 130.003, local funds, and private sources. This subsection does not require the legislature to appropriate state funds to support a degree program created under Subsection (b-4). (h) Each biennium, each public junior college offering a baccalaureate degree program under this section shall conduct a review of each baccalaureate degree program offered and prepare a [biennial] report on the operation,quality, and effectiveness of those [the junior college's baccalaureate] degree programs.A [and shall deliver a] copy of the report shall be delivered to the coordinating board in the form and at the time determined by the coordinating board. 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.