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 amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections (k) and (l) to read as follows: (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may [shall] authorize public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in the fields of applied science,[and] applied technology,and dental hygiene under this section. Offering a baccalaureate degree program under this section does not otherwise alter the role and mission of a public junior college. (b) The coordinating board shall authorize baccalaureate degree programs at:(1) each public junior college that previously participated in a pilot project to offer baccalaureate degree programs;and (2) one or more public junior colleges that offer a degree program in the field of dental hygiene if, at the time the degree is initially offered, the public junior college: (A) has a main campus located in the county seat of a county with a population greater than 200,000; and (B) includes territory in at least six public school districts located in two counties.(k) The coordinating board shall adopt rules as necessary for the administration of this section. (l) In this section, "general academic teaching institution" and "institution of higher education" have the meanings 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.