SUMMARY OF
HIGHER EDUCATION
LEGISLATION
84th TEXAS LEGISLATURE
OFFICE OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
2015
TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
Harold W. Hahn, CHAIR
Robert W. Jenkins, VICE CHAIR
David D. Teuscher, M.D., SECRETARY
Christina Delgado, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Dora G. Alcalá
S. Javaid Anwar
Ambassador Sada Cumber
Fred Farias III, O.D.
Janelle Shepard
John T. Steen, Jr.
El Paso
Austin
Beaumont
Lubbock
Del Rio
Midland
Sugarland
McAllen
Weatherford
San Antonio
Raymund A. Paredes, COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION
MISSION OF THE COORDINATING BOARD
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board promotes access, affordability, quality,
success, and cost efficiency in the state’s institutions of higher education, through
Closing the Gaps and its successor plan, resulting in a globally competent workforce
that positions Texas as an international leader in an increasingly complex world
economy.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE COORDINATING BOARD
The THECB will promote access to and success in quality higher education across the
state with the conviction that access and success without quality is mediocrity and that
quality without access and success is unacceptable.
SUMMARY OF
HIGHER EDUCATION LEGISLATION
84th TEXAS LEGISLATURE
T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
1
SUMMARY OF GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT…………………………………………………………………….
3
HIGHER EDUCATION LEGISLATION BY TOPIC
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION…………………………………………………………………………………… 22
EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS………………………………………………………………………………
24
HEALTH-RELATED PROGRAMS…………………………………………………………………………………………….
27
TRANSFER………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31
RESEARCH……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY………………………………………………………………………………………
36
ADMISSIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
38
APPROPRIATIONS/FUNDING…………………………………………………………………………………………………40
CAREER SCHOOLS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 45
COMMUNITY, STATE AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES………………………………………………………………… 46
FEES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..51
FINANCIAL AID……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………53
INSTITUTIONAL/GOVERNANCE CHANGES…………………………………………………………………………… 58
P-16 INITIATIVES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..61
STUDENT INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………71
TUITION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………75
VETERAN’S BENEFITS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
76
WORKFORCE TRAINING INITIATIVES………………………………………………………………………………………
78
VETOED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………82
MISCELLANEOUS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
83
ADMINISTRATION/OPERATIONS LEGISLATION BY TOPIC
EMPLOYEE ISSUES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS……………………………………………………………………………
88
OPEN MEETINGS/OPEN RECORDS………………………………………………………………………………………… 90
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLES
LEGISLATION LISTED BY BILL NUMBER………………………………………………………………………………….92
LEGISLATION LISTED BY BILL AUTHOR………………………………………………………………………………….94
LEGISLATION LISTED BY BILL SPONSOR…………………………………………………………………………………..
96
SUMMARY OF
HIGHER EDUCATION LEGISLATION
84th TEXAS LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCTION
The 84th Texas Legislature opened a new chapter in how Texas policymakers view and address
the role of higher education in our state economy. Several long-serving incumbents moved on.
Key leadership positions, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and chairs of the House
Higher Education, House Appropriations, and Senate Finance Committees, were filled with
individuals who were new to their roles.
This was also the final legislative session to be held during the timeframe of Closing the Gaps by
2015, the state’s long-range plan for higher education since 2000. The session served as a
bridge between Closing the Gaps and the state’s next long-range strategic plan for higher
education, 60x30TX. The goals of 60x30TX – increasing the share of Texans with a certificate or
degree; increasing completions; ensuring students have identifiable, marketable workforce skills;
and ensuring student loan debt is manageable – are reflected in many of the bills considered
and enacted by the Legislature this session.
Several initiatives adopted by the Legislature this session will have an important impact on
higher education and students for years to come, including:

Increased investments in student financial aid, including a $62.7 million increase in
TEXAS Grants and a $12.2 million increase in Tuition Equalization Grants (TEG). These
additional investments will help make higher education affordable for financially needy
students and decrease the dependence on student loans.

Appropriated additional funding for graduate medical education (GME), including an
increase of $38.7 million for Graduate Medical Education Expansion grants. This funding
will create additional opportunities for Texas medical school graduates to perform their
1
residencies in Texas and makes it more likely that these highly-credentialed professionals
will establish their careers in the state.

Authorized universities, health-related institutions, and state and technical colleges to
issue bonds for the construction and rehabilitation of high-priority facilities.

Charged the Coordinating Board with updating existing, and creating new defined,
curricular pathways from high school to college and among higher education institutions
that promote transfer of credits toward an applicable certificate or degree program. This
will promote efficient completion and help students pursue their career interests.
In addition to these enacted initiatives, the 84th Legislature initiated or continued the
conversation on several important policy recommendations for higher education. A new
outcomes-based funding model tying universities’ ability to raise tuition and fees to increases in
student success – performance-based tuition – was extensively debated and adopted by the
Senate and House Higher Education Committees. A proposal, based on a Rand Corporation
study, for a statewide process that would allow certain community colleges to offer
baccalaureate programs in nursing and applied science was debated but ultimately not enacted.
The Legislature also had an impassioned debate on whether, and how, to reform the Hazlewood
Exemption to reign in the exponential growth of the program and subsequent loss of tuition
revenue at institutions, but the Legislature was ultimately unable to reach a consensus.
This report provides a summary of legislation enacted by the 84th Texas Legislature that impacts
the Coordinating Board, institutions of higher education, and other higher education
stakeholders. This report also provides an overview of how the General Appropriations Act
impacted funding for all sectors of higher education. The report is organized by topic with crossreference tables by bill number, bill author, and bill sponsor provided at the end.
2
SUMMARY OF
GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
RELATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
84th TEXAS LEGISLATURE
2016-2017 BIENNIUM
This summary describes funds appropriated via the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Years
(FY) 2016-17 (House Bill 1), Supplemental Appropriations for FY2014-15 (House Bill 2), all
gubernatorial vetoes impacting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating
Board) and institutions of higher education. This summary highlights significant changes in the
Coordinating Board’s budget to include new, deleted, and amended riders.
To review the complete higher education budget as approved by the 84th Texas Legislature,
Regular Session, visit: http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2014-2015
House Bill 2 made supplemental appropriation increases and reductions for various state agencies
and institutions of higher education for the current fiscal biennium. Particularly relevant to higher
education, this legislation included:

An increase of $4,471,800 for The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Economic
Geology for the purchase and deployment of seismic equipment and preparation of a
report by December 1, 2016 describing preliminary reservoir modeling results;

An increase of $775,000 to Lee College for its prison higher education program;

An increase of $1,077,557 for Lamar State College-Orange for damages associated with
Hurricane Ike;

An increase of $8,200,000 to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for its
Bio-Containment Critical Care Unit;

A transfer of unexpended and unencumbered amounts appropriated from Midland
College’s American Airpower Heritage Museum to the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum.
GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
The total All Funds appropriation for the State of Texas for the 2016-2017 biennium is $209.4
billion, an increase of $7.3 billion or 3.6 percent over 2014-15 funding levels. General Revenue and
3
General Revenue-Dedicated (GR and GR-D) statewide increased 11.3 percent to $114.1 billion
for the biennium.
The total All Funds appropriation for higher education is $19.9 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion.
GR and GR-D funds for higher education increased by $1.5 billion (9.1%) to $17.4 billion. In the
FY2016-17 budget, higher education will represent 9.5 percent of the All Funds budget and 15.2
percent of the GR and GR-D budget.1
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
The FY2016-17 All Funds appropriation for general academic institutions is $6.82 billion, an
increase of $398.8 million (or 6.2%) over FY2014-15. Health-related institutions’ All Funds
appropriation increased by about $178.4 million to $3.04 billion, a 6.2 percent increase.
All funding for public two-year institutions decreased by $11.5 million (or 0.6%) due to a decline
in contact hours.
Line item vetoes by the governor totaling $8.48 million that affected institutions of higher
education for the 2016-2017 biennium include:

$5 million in General Revenue funding to The University of Texas at Austin to “provide
research and education in the areas of identity management, protection, security and
privacy and to develop solutions to identity problems;”

$275,154 in General Revenue funding to Texas A&M University for an International Law
Summer Course;

$2 million in General Revenue funding to Tarleton State University for the Center for AntiFraud;

$1 million in General Revenue funding to Stephen F. Austin State University for the Waters
of East Texas (WET) Center;

$200,000 in General Revenue funding to Del Mar College for the Maritime Museum; and

In the Texas Education Agency’s budget the governor also vetoed $193,000 per year that
is used to pay for annual membership dues to the Southern Regional Education Board
(SREB). SREB is a nonprofit organization made up of 16 member states, including Texas.
Texas currently participates in SREB-sponsored programs, such as the Academic Common
Market, access to the Electronic Campus, the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement,
and State Data Exchange efforts.
1
Source: Summary Tables for House Bill 1 Conference Committee Report (2016-17 State Budget), Legislative
Budget Board
4
FORMULA FUNDING
State formula funding for institutions of higher education increased by $459 million in All Funds
compared to the 2014-2015 appropriation. This included a $329 million (or 7.6%) increase to
formula funding for general academic institutions, a $155.2 million (or 8.4%) increase for health
related institutions, a $24.2 million (or 1.4%) decrease to community colleges, a $4.2 million
decrease to Lamar institutions, and a $4.2 million (or 3.9%) increase to technical and state colleges.
Last session, the Legislature made significant changes to how formula funding is structured for
community colleges and for Texas State Technical Colleges (TSTC). Texas State Technical Colleges
have 100 percent of the instruction and administration formula funding allocated by a “Returned
Value” model based on the additional state tax revenues generated by former students. The model
matches cohorts of graduates, transfers and leavers with unemployment insurance wage records
for five years to determine the wage premium generated by a TSTC education. The budget for
TSTC for FY2016-17 includes an increase in the Returned Value percentage from 32.6 percent to
35.5 percent in the Instructional and Administrative Formula Returned Value formula that began
in 2014–15.
However, due to a 3.2 percent decrease in contact hours from 2014–15, community college
districts experienced a $24.2 million reduction in funding. Formula funding amounts provided a
90 percent hold harmless appropriation based on formula appropriations in the 2014–15
biennium. Last session, the formula funding for community colleges was split at 90 percent for
contact hour funding and 10 percent for success point funding. That 90/10 split was maintained
for FY2016-17.
COORDINATING BOARD BUDGET
The Coordinating Board received an All Funds appropriation of $1.7 billion, a 10.6 percent
increase compared to the 2014-15 funding level. Funding increases for student financial aid and
graduate medical education are detailed in subsequent sections.
While funding for some programs was significantly reduced, such as the B-On-Time and Top Ten
Percent Scholarship programs, as well as the transfer of $30 million for Hazelwood tuition
exemptions, the Legislature increased appropriations for half of the Coordinating Board’s
exceptional item requests. In total, these increases amount to more than a quarter-billion dollars
over the next two years in All Funds:
BUDGET PRIORITY
TEXAS Grants
Texas Educational Opportunity
Grants
IT Acquisition and Refresh
IT Security Upgrades (DCS)
INCREASE
$62.7 million
$28.9 million
$252,000
$385,096
5
BUDGET PRIORITY
Graduate Medical Education
Family Practice Residency
Program
Pathways Project
Advise TX
Teach for Texas Loan Repayment
Tuition Equalization Grants
Texas Research Incentive
Program
Centralized Accounting and
Payroll/Personnel System
(CAPPS) Implementation
Total
INCREASE
$38.75 million
$4 million
$274,000
$4 million
$2.58 million
$12.2 million
$102.5 million
$1.39 million
$257.93 million
Notable changes to Coordinating Board programs include:

Increase of $102.5 million for the Texas Research Incentive Program, supporting eight
emerging research institutions (Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the
University of North Texas, and University of Texas campuses in Dallas, Arlington, San
Antonio and El Paso);

A $1 million biennial appropriation for the Norman Hackerman Advanced Research
Program was eliminated;

Appropriations to the Higher Education Fund (HEF) totaling $656.3 million, which includes
an increase of $131.3 million, beginning FY2017. (HEF benefits the non-Permanent
University Fund institutions and can be used for acquiring land, constructing and
equipping buildings and other permanent improvements, performing major repair and
renovation of buildings, and acquiring capital equipment, library books, and library
materials);

Appropriations include $240 million for tuition revenue bond debt service for $3.1 billion
in tuition revenue bonds for 64 projects at public universities, health-related institutions,
and state and technical colleges;

Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Program funding increased by $2.6 million (or 58
percent) to $7 million. The increase is to be dedicated for the implementation of Senate
Bill 686, permitting funding of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program;

General Revenue funding includes $4 million for the Advise TX (www.advisetx.org)
program. Advise TX supports recent college graduates to serve as advisers in selected
partner high schools;

New appropriations of $274,000 for the Pathways Project, a data-driven initiative on
student preparation and achievement at the local level. The funding expands the project
to additional sites across the state;
6

New appropriations of $2 million for a mental health professional loan repayment program
created by Senate Bill 239;

New appropriations of $8.1 million for an autism research grant program;

New appropriations of $220,000 for the Dental Education Loan Repayment Program.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
The major Coordinating Board programs that provide financial aid to students in higher education
received nearly $1.13 billion in FY2016-2017, an increase of $52.8 million (or 4.9%) over FY201415 funding levels:

The TEXAS Grant program, the largest state financial aid program, received $715 million,
an increase of $62.7 million2, or 9.6 percent, over FY2014-2015 levels. The increase will
maintain grants of $5,000 to 85 percent of eligible students;

The Texas B-On-Time Loan program received $82.6 million in the FY2016-17 biennium,
a 24.6 percent decrease from the previous biennium. The funding level supports only
renewal students. B-On-Time is funded by tuition set asides and provides zero-interest
loans to eligible students, which are forgiven if the student meets academic and time-todegree requirements. During the 84th session, the Legislature passed House Bill 700, which
eliminates the set aside and phases out the program by 2020;
PROGRAM
TEXAS Grant
Texas Educational
Opportunity Grants
B-On-Time
Tuition Equalization
Grants
College Work Study
Program
Educational Aide
Program
Top 10 Percent
Scholarships
Texas Armed Services
Scholarship Program
Total
$652.32
$714.98
AMOUNT
DIFFERENCE
$62.66
$65.10
$94.0
$28.9
44.4%
$109.6
$82.63
($29.33)
(24.6%)
$180.10
$192.30
$12.2
6.8%
$18.8
$18.8
--
--
$0.0
$1.5
$1.5
n/a
$39.6
$18.22
($21.4)
(54%)
$7.12
$5.34
($1.78)
(25%)
$1072.64
$1,127.77
$52.75
4.9%
2014-2015
2016-2017
PERCENTAGE
DIFFERENCE
9.6%
2
The 2014-15 estimated and budgeted base includes a one-time private gift of $30 million from the Texas
Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation for the TEXAS Grant program.
7

Funding for the Top 10 Percent Scholarship program was reduced by $21.4 million, or
54 percent, limiting awards to renewal students only;

The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) program received a biennial increase
in funding from $65.1 million in FY2014-15 to $94 million in FY2016-17. However, because
two-year college students previously served by TEXAS Grants were moved to TEOG
beginning in FY2015 (Senate Bill 215, 83rd Legislature), an additional $8.4 million would
have been required to continue to fund TEOG at the FY2015 service level. Also, for FY201617, TEOG was split into separate pools for community colleges and for state and technical
colleges to reflect the different allocation methodologies needed for these sectors.
Funding for other financial aid programs includes:

$192.3 million for the Tuition Equalization Grants program, reflecting an increase of
$12.2 million (6.8%) for FY2016-17. Funding will allow more than 29,000 students to receive
grants of $3,250 in each of the next two years;

$18.8 million for the Texas College Work-Study program. The sustained funding level
will allow more than 7,000 students each year to receive awards of $1,365;

$5.34 million for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship program, reflecting a $1.78
million, or 25 percent reduction from FY2014-15; and

New appropriations of $1.5 million for FY2016-17 for the Educational Aide program.
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Appropriations provide $53 million in General Revenue Funds for the Graduate Medical Education
Expansion program, an increase of $38.75 million from FY2014–15 funding levels. Under language
passed in Senate Bill 18 and House Bill 1, the funding will provide:

$3.5 million for one-time planning and partnership grants to hospitals, medical schools
and community-based ambulatory patient care centers to develop new graduate medical
education programs;

$32.6 million for new or existing GME programs to increase the number of first year
residency positions;

$9.75 million to fill first-year residency positions that were unfilled as of July 1, 2013; and

$7.2 million for grants to GME programs receiving funding under the New and Expanded
GME Program in FY2015.
The Coordinating Board estimates the increased expansion funding will support approximately
219 residency positions in 2016 and 330 in 2017.
General Revenue funding for the Coordinating Board reflects a $4 million increase, or 31.3 percent,
for the Family Practice Residency program.
8
House Bill 1 also contains new appropriations of $3 million for the Preceptorship program,
providing pediatric, internal medicine, and family practice medical education.
APPROPRIATION BILL RIDERS
Appropriation bill riders not only give instruction on how funds may be expended, they often
direct the Coordinating Board to conduct studies, compile reports, and create programs. House
Bill 1 includes 70 riders directly in the Coordinating Board’s bill pattern, as well as numerous riders
elsewhere in Article III and in Article IX that impact Coordinating Board operations.
This summary highlights significant new appropriation riders and changes to existing riders that
impact the Coordinating Board and higher education.
RIDERS IN THE COORDINATING BOARD’S BILL PATTERN
DELETED RIDERS
Texas College Work Study Program and Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS)
Grant Program. A rider to encourage schools to award work-study with the TEXAS Grant was
removed from the agency bill pattern for the 2016-2017 biennium. (III-52, Rider 27, 2014-2015
General Appropriations Act)
ABE Community College Grants. A rider allocating $2 million in Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Community College Grants to community colleges and public technical institutions to increase
participation and success of adult basic education students transitioning from community and
federally funded ABE programs into postsecondary education and/or training programs, was
deleted for FY2016-17. (III-55, Rider 36, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
Research Programs. A rider relating to the distribution of grants under the Norman Hackerman
Advanced Research Program was deleted due to defunding of the program. (III-55, Rider 39, 20142015 General Appropriations Act)
Open Educational Resources. A rider requiring the Coordinating Board, in consultation with the
Virtual College of Texas, to study and recommend policies regarding the availability and use of
open educational resources in Texas was deleted. The report was completed and submitted in
2014. (III-57, Rider 52, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
Coordinating Board Contingent Appropriations, Formula Funding for The University of
Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Appropriations made to the Coordinating
Board for The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College Transition Funding for
FY2014-15 was deleted. The two institutions merged to form The University of Texas-Rio Grande
Valley. (III-57, Rider 53, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
9
Grant Aid and Participation and Success in Higher Education. A rider requiring the
Coordinating Board to conduct an experimental study of the causal relationship between the
receipt of grant aid and changes in participation, persistence, and graduation was deleted. (III-58,
Rider 56, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
UNT HSC College of Pharmacy. A rider appropriating $5.4 million to the University of North
Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy was deleted from the Coordinating Board’s
FY2016-17 bill pattern. (III-59, Rider 59, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
Aquifer Research. A rider transferring appropriations from a deleted Water Aquifer Research
funding item to the Houston Area Research Council was removed. (III-59, Rider 60, 2014-2015
General Appropriations Act)
Contingency for Senate Bill 215. A rider relating to Senate Bill 215 (83rd), the sunset legislation
for the Coordinating Board, was deleted. (III-59, Rider 63, 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act)
Funding for Physical Education Courses. A rider was deleted that required the Coordinating
Board to recommend to the 84th Legislature a funding methodology that excludes semester credit
hours related to physical education courses for students who are registered to receive both high
school and college credit. (III-249 (special provisions), Sec. 33, 2014-2015 General Appropriations
Act)
NEW AND AMENDED COORDINATING BOARD RIDERS
Strategic Plan for Teacher Certification. A 2014-2015 budget rider required the Coordinating
Board to use appropriations to “develop and implement a strategic plan to increase the number
of certified teachers.” New language stipulates that the Board “shall develop and implement a
strategic plan to improve teacher professional development for certified teachers in the state to
increase the quality and effectiveness of certified teachers in the classrooms.” (III-47, Rider 16)
Tobacco Funds - Estimated Appropriation and Unexpended Balance. New rider language
lowered the estimated balances available from the Permanent Fund for Minority Health Research
and Education and the Permanent Fund for Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health Related
Programs at the end of FY2015 to $0. (III-47, Rider 17)
Texas Collegiate License Plate Scholarships. Estimated amounts to be deposited to the credit
of community colleges and independent institutions was lowered from $402,234 per fiscal year to
$62,766. (III-48, Rider 21)
"College for Texans" Campaign License Plate. Estimated amounts to be appropriated for the
College for Texans Campaign was lowered from $73,444 and $77,104 in fiscal years 2014 and
2015, respectively, to $13,408 per fiscal year in 2016-2017. (III-48, Rider 23)
10
Tobacco Funds-Baylor College of Medicine-Permanent Health Fund. New rider language
provides an estimated distribution of $1,914,193 to the Baylor College of Medicine out of the
Permanent Health Fund for Higher Education in each year of the 2016-2017 biennium. All balances
of estimated appropriations from the institution's allocation from the amounts available for
distribution out of the Permanent Health Fund for Higher Education, at the close of the fiscal year
ending August 31, 2015, estimated to be $0. (III-48, Rider 26)
Align Adult Basic Education and Postsecondary Education. Modified rider language requires
the Coordinating Board to work with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Workforce
Commission (TWC) to prepare a report on the alignment of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL)
and postsecondary education.
To increase the number, success, and persistence of students transitioning to postsecondary
education from AEL programs and students enrolled in basic academic skills education courses
and interventions, the report shall address:

Outreach, referrals, persistence interventions, and advising;

Assessment, curriculum, and instruction aligned to integrated or intensive program
models;

State-level accountability systems to monitor performance;

Adult Education and Literacy to postsecondary performance measures;

Accelerate Texas data and program evaluation:

General Education Development (GED) test data;

Standards to enhance data quality and sharing among state agencies and serviceproviders; and

Grants and other institutional funding models (including Federal Funds and Other Funds)
to maximize effective use of limited General Revenue Funds. (III-49, Rider 27)
Texas College Work Study Program. New rider language states that funds spent on the College
Work Study Program are “intended to maximize” on student grants that include a work study
component. (III-49, Rider 28)
Tobacco Funds - Baylor College of Medicine-Permanent Endowment Fund. New rider
language provides for a distribution or investment returns to Baylor College of Medicine from the
Permanent Endowment Fund for the Baylor College of Medicine, and lowers the estimated
amount available for distribution out of the Permanent Health Fund for Higher Education, at the
close of the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015 estimated to $0. (III-49, Rider 29)
Annual Financial Aid Report. The rider changed the deadline for the Coordinating Board to
present an annual report concerning student financial aid at Texas public and independent
institutions of higher education. The report, previously due on September 1 of each calendar year,
11
is now to be provided to the Legislative Budget Board by November 1 of each calendar year. (III49, Rider 30)
Top 10 Percent Scholarships. The rider now stipulates that the amounts appropriated in Top Ten
Percent Scholarships are for renewal awards only. (III-50, Rider 32)
Teacher Education Centers. The deadline for participating institutions to report data on teacher
education was changed to October 15 of each year, rather than October 1. (III-51, Rider 35)
Accelerate Texas Community College Grants. A new rider requires that, $2 million from
Accelerate Community College Grants be used for competitive grants to community colleges and
public technical institutions for “Accelerate Texas program models for the purpose of increasing
the participation and success of adult education and literacy (AEL) students transitioning from
community and federally-funded AEL programs into postsecondary education and/or training
programs and for students assessed under the new TSI Assessment as demonstrating basic
academic skills….Any balances as of August 31, 2016 are hereby appropriated for the same
purpose for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2016.” (III-51, Rider 36)
B-On-Time Program-Public. The rider now stipulates that funds appropriated for the B-On-Time
Program-Public are for renewal awards only. (III-52, Rider 44)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) Program - Public Community Colleges and
TEOG Program - Public State and Technical Colleges. Two riders were created to account for
new separate funding pools for the two sectors, and to stipulate that any unexpended balances
on hand at the end of FY2016 may be carried over to FY2017 for the same purpose. This was done
to allow each sector to develop its own allocation methodology. (III-52, Rider 46)
Graduate Medical Education Expansion. A new rider allocates $53 million in funding for GME
expansion as follows:

$3.5 million for one-time planning and partnership grants to hospitals, medical schools
and community-based ambulatory patient care centers to develop new GME programs;

$32.6 million for new or existing GME programs to increase the number of first-year
residency positions;

$9.75 million to fill first-year residency positions that were unfilled as of July 1, 2013;

$7.2 million for grants to GME programs receiving funding under the New and Expanded
GME Program in FY2015.
Any unexpended balances on hand at the end of FY2016 are appropriated for the same purpose
for FY2017. A rider (#54) related to GME from the last biennium was deleted. (III-53, Rider 51)
12
Space Projection Model. A new rider requires the Coordinating Board to conduct a study to
review the space projection model and report the results of the study to the Legislative Budget
Board and the Governor's Office no later than June 1, 2016. The study should consider the impacts
of courses delivered online in the model and include recommendations to enhance the accuracy
and validity of space projections determined by the model. (III-54, Rider 55)
B-On-Time Program-Private. The rider stipulates that funds appropriated for the B-On-Time
Program-Private are for renewal awards only. (III-54, Rider 56)
Teacher Residency Program. A rider changes the amounts to be appropriated for the Texas
Teacher Residency Program from $655,403 in FY2014 and $642,902 in FY2015 to $649,153 in
FY2016 and $649,152 in FY2017. (III-54, Rider 57)
Nursing Field of Study Curricula. A new rider requires the Coordinating Board to evaluate the
nursing field of study curricula and enhance the effectiveness of the curricula in reducing barriers
for students who transfer between nursing programs. This evaluation shall be completed no later
than January 1, 2017. (III-54, Rider 59)
Dental Education Loan Repayment Program. A new rider provides for the reinstatement of
funding under the Dental Education Loan Repayment Program (DELRP). The DELRP is a previously
defunded program providing repayment of eligible student loans received by a dentist who meets
the stipulated requirements. Any balances on hand at the end of FY2016 may be carried forward
over to FY2017 for the same purpose. (III-54, Rider 60)
Texas Research Incentive Program. A new rider directs that amounts appropriated for the Texas
Research Incentive Program be distributed in accordance with Texas Education Code, Sections
62.121-62.124. (III-54, Rider 61)
Grant Funding for Educational Aide Program. A new rider in the Coordinating Board’s bill
pattern directs the agency to “pursue additional funds, in addition to funds appropriated to the
Educational Aide Program for this program from the U.S. Department of Education Transition to
Teaching grant program and from foundations interested in promoting education and training
for current school employees pursuing teacher certification.” (III-54, Rider 62)
Local Institution Match for Educational Aide Program. A new rider directs the Coordinating
Board to prioritize the distribution of funds appropriated to the Educational Aide Program to
institutions providing a match of at least 10 percent for each exemption awarded. (III-54, Rider
63)
Physician Education Loan Repayment Program Rulemaking for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A new rider requires the Coordinating Board and the Texas Health and Human Services
Commission to implement any necessary rules for the Physician Education Loan Repayment
Program to address the qualifications for the participation of providers in the field of Obstetrics
and Gynecology. (III-54, Rider 64)
13
OAG Lawyer's Loan Repayment Program. A rider related to the Office of Attorney General
Lawyer’s loan repayment program was altered to reflect a decrease in funding in the Coordinating
Board’s bill pattern, from $248,036 per fiscal year in 2014-15 to $186,027 per fiscal year for 201617. (III-55, Rider 65)
Contingency for House Bill 2396. The new rider eliminates funding for the Office of Attorney
General’s Lawyer Loan Repayment Program and eliminates the tuition set aside that funds the
program, contingent on the passage of House Bill 2396. House Bill 2396 was signed by the
governor and is effective immediately. (III-55, Rider 66)
Advise TX. A new rider allows the Coordinating Board to solicit and accept gifts for additional
support for the Advise TX College Advising Corps. Any unexpended balances on hand at the end
of FY2016 may be carried over to FY2017 for the same purpose. (III-55, Rider 67)
Autism Program. A new rider directs the Coordinating Board to distribute funds appropriated to
autism research centers at institutions of higher education that currently provide evidence-based
behavioral services and training, as follows:

Parent-directed Treatment: $2.25 million per fiscal year to serve 750 children per year;

Board-certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Training for Teachers/Paraprofessionals:
$950,000 per fiscal year to serve 2,547 children per year;

Research, development, and evaluation of innovative autism treatment models: $700,000
per fiscal year.
Administrative funding of $150,000 per year is also provided in the rider to support the programs.
The Coordinating Board is directed to gather data on the programs and issue an annual report on
the effectiveness of each program. The report shall be submitted no later than September 1 of
each year, beginning on September 1, 2016. (III-55, Rider 68)
Permanent Fund Supporting Graduate Medical Education. A new rider contingent on the
enactment of Senate Bill 18 (effective on September 1, 2015) to permit the proceeds of the
Permanent Fund Supporting Graduate Medical Education to be appropriated to Graduate Medical
Education Expansion, at the Coordinating Board. (III-55, Rider 69) Senate Bill 18 was signed by the
governor.
Contingency for Senate Bill 686. A new rider allows the appropriation of $1,287,500 in each
fiscal year of the 2016-2017 biennium for the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment
Program, pending the enactment of Senate Bill 686 (effective on September 1, 2015). (III-55, Rider
70) Senate Bill 686 was signed by the governor.
14
OTHER ARTICLE III RIDERS IMPACTING THE COORDINATING BOARD
HIGHER EDUCATION FUND
Contingency for Senate Bill 1191. A rider in the bill pattern for the Higher Education Fund
provides for the allocation of an additional $131,250,000 for institutions supported by the Higher
Education Fund. The funding is added to the base of $262,500,000 starting in 2017. Senate Bill
1191 was signed into law by the governor on June 18, 20105. (III-56, Rider 2)
PUBLIC COMMUNITY/JUNIOR COLLEGES
Developmental Education Intervention Formulas. A rider from the previous budget was
deleted in the bill pattern for public community/junior colleges, which stated the Legislature’s
intent to direct the Coordinating Board with implementing funding formula recommendations on
a weighted contact-hour basis. (III-204, Rider 20)
Coordinating Board Contingent Appropriations, Formula Funding for Texas Southmost
College. A deleted rider from the previous budget allocated appropriations made to the
Coordinating Board in FY2014-15 to provide transition formula funding for Texas Southmost
College prior to the creation of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. (III-204, Rider 21)
Methodology for Student Success Points Allocation for the 2016-17 biennium. A rider from
the previous budget to require that the public community/junior colleges and the Coordinating
Board jointly develop recommendations for an allocation system for student success points for
the 2016-17 biennium was deleted. (III-205, Rider 23)
Reporting Requirement. A new rider requires each public community/junior college to submit a
report to the Legislative Budget Board no later than December 1 of each fiscal year regarding the
contact hours and success points generated by each campus of the district and the amount of
formula funding transferred to each campus, as well as the total tuition and fee revenue collected
at each campus and the amount of any total tuition and fee revenue transferred to another
campus. (III-207, Rider 23)
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Program to Encourage Certification to Teach Bilingual Education, English as a Second
Language, or Spanish. A rider from FY2014-15 expanded the list of institutions eligible to receive
an award of no less than $150,000 to encourage students to become certified in bilingual
education. The revised rider includes the University of North Texas, University of North Texas at
Dallas, Texas Woman's University, The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Texas at
Arlington, Texas A&M Commerce and DFW Tech Teach -Texas Tech. Previously only University of
North Texas at Dallas was eligible for an award.
15
In addition, the revised rider stipulates that qualified students must: 1) have demonstrated
financial need, as determined by the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
form and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships; 2) Successfully pass the State Board of
Educator Certification Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test; and 3) Maintain a minimum
cumulative 3.0 GPA. The program shall submit a report not later than January 1, 2017 to the
Coordinating Board detailing annual information on the following performance measures:

Student graduation rates from the program;

Passage rates for the Texas Examination of Education Standards Bilingual Education
Supplemental exam and/or the English as a Second Language Supplemental exam; and
Graduate employment data at Texas public school districts.” (III-253 (special provisions),
Sec. 45)
Network Access Improvement Program Annual Report. A new rider requires the public health
related institutions and Coordinating Board to submit an annual report on the clients and services
provided through the Network Access Improvement Program (NAIP) to the governor and the
Legislative Budget Board no later than December 1st of each fiscal year. The report shall include
the following items provided with the funding received through NAIP:

Average monthly Medicaid clients served;

Average monthly Medicaid encounters;

Average monthly Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) clients served; and

(4) Average monthly CHIP encounters.” (III-258 (special provisions), Sec. 59)
Emerging Research Universities Research Funding. A new rider provides for matching funds to
emerging research universities through the Texas Research Incentive Program, “designated under
the Coordinating Board's accountability system, to assist institutions in leveraging private gifts for
the enhancement of research productivity.” (III-260 (special provisions), Sec. 63)
Contingency for House Bill 100. A new rider directs the Coordinating Board to distribute $240
million in fiscal year 2017 to institutions for projects funded through tuition revenue bonds based
on allocations laid out in House Bill 100 (effective September 1, 2015). In addition, the rider
requires the Coordinating Board to present a plan for allocation of the appropriations made in
subsection (a) to the Legislative Budget Board by January 1, 2016. Such allocations require written
approval of the Legislative Budget Board and appropriations are not allowed for use by the
Coordinating Board for administrative purposes. (III-260 (special provisions), Sec. 64)
16
RIDERS IN ARTICLE IX IMPACTING THE COORDINATING BOARD
Article IX of the General Appropriations Act primarily addresses state agency administration, but
it is also the location for contingency riders for bills passed during the legislative session. Only
contingency riders impacting the Coordinating Board where the required legislation was adopted
are included below:
Statewide Capital Planning. A rider requiring the Coordinating Board to consolidate and
streamline reporting by institutions of higher education regarding proposed facilities construction
and renovation was deleted. (IX-48, Sec. 11.02)
Cybersecurity Initiatives. A new rider requires the Coordinating Board and nine other agencies
to coordinate with the Department of Information Resources in producing a report to the
Legislative Budget Board on the status of the cybersecurity initiatives and bulk purchasing efforts
by October 1, 2016. (IX-48, Sec. 9.11)
Funding for Autism Services. A new rider allocates $8,100,000 to the Coordinating Board for
FY2016-17 to distribute to autism research centers at institutions of higher education that
currently provide evidence-based behavioral services and training, in the amounts and for the
purposes as follows:
 Parent-directed Treatment: $2.25 million per fiscal year to serve 750 children per year;
 Board-certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Training for Teachers/Paraprofessionals:
$950,000 per fiscal year to serve 2,547 children per year;
 Research, development, and evaluation of innovative autism treatment models: $700,000
per fiscal year; and
 Administrative support of the programs: $150,000 per fiscal year.
The rider requires the Coordinating Board to gather data on the above programs from the each
institution's autism research center and submit an annual report on the effectiveness of each
program no later than September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2016. (IX-53, Sec.
10.05) See also page III-55, Rider 68.
Appropriation for a Salary Increase for General State Employees. A rider changes the state
employee salary increase from 2 to 2.5 percent, to offset an increase in the employee contribution
to the Employees Retirement System. (IX-79, Sec. 18.02)
Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel Systems Deployments. A new rider provides
$1,390,400 to the Coordinating Board for the purpose of operating and maintaining the
Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS). The rider also authorizes the
Coordinating Board to add four Full Time-Equivalents (FTE) to assist with the deployment of
CAPPS in the 2016-17 biennium. (IX-80, Sec. 18.03)
17
Contingency for House Bill 700. The rider provides that, with the enactment of House Bill 700
(effective September 1, 2015), institutions of higher education will be allocated $65,324,057 in
unexpended tuition set aside balances in the General Revenue-Dedicated Texas B-On-Time
Account 5103. (IX-89, Sec. 18.38)
Contingency for Senate Bill 239. A new rider provides the Coordinating Board $850,000 in
General Revenue in FY2016 and $1,275,000 in FY2017 for the creation of a student loan repayment
assistance program for mental health professionals. Senate Bill 239 is effective September 1, 2015.
(IX-94, Sec. 18.60)
Contingency Riders for House Bill 1752, Senate Bill 143, and Senate Bill 215. Contingency
riders related to legislation affecting the Coordinating Board from the 83rd Legislature were
deleted. (IX-77, 80 & 81, Sec. 18.17, 18.34 & 18.37, respectively)
Contingency for House Bill 7, House Bill 26, or Senate Bill 632, Providing for the Disposition
of the Emerging Technology Fund and Creation of the Governor's University Research
Initiative. A new rider appropriates $9 million from the Emerging Technology Fund No. 5124 to
the Texas Research Incentive Program. A total of $102 million is to be appropriated from the
dissolved Fund 5124: Texas Enterprise Fund $45 million; Texas Research Incentive Program $9
million; Texas Research University Fund $8 million; Governor's University Research Initiative $40
million. (IX-96, Sec. 18.70)
18
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
HB 909
TASTING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CERTAIN COURSES
Author: Phillips
Sponsor: Watson
HB 909 allows minors to taste an alcoholic beverage if the minor is at least 18 years old and is
enrolled as a student and in a course at a public or private institution of higher education, career
school, or college that offers a program in culinary arts, viticulture, enology or wine technology,
brewing or beer technology, or distilled spirits production or technology. “Taste” means to draw
a beverage into the mouth without swallowing or otherwise consuming the beverage. The
beverage must be tasted for educational purposes as part of the curriculum for the course, may
not be purchased by the minor, and the tasting of the beverage must be supervised by a faculty
or staff member who is at least 21 years of age. The institution of higher education offering the
course or program is not required to hold a license or permit to engage in these activities.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 106.05(b), and 106.06(b) of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Code
Adds Section 106.16 to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 1992
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
GRANTING OF UNDERGRADUATE COURSE CREDIT BY ADVANCED PLACEMENT
EXAMINATION AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Zerwas
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 1992 prohibits institutions of higher education from establishing a minimum required score
on an Advanced Placement examination greater than three for granting lower-division course
credit, unless the institution’s chief academic officer makes an evidence-based determination that
a higher score is necessary to indicate a student is sufficiently prepared to be successful in a
related, more advanced course for which the lower-division course is a prerequisite.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to submit a report that examines the academic
performance of students at institutions of higher education who received undergraduate course
credit for achieving a score of three on one or more Advanced Placement examinations. The
Coordinating Board is required to submit the report and make recommendations for legislative
19
or administrative action to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the standing legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over higher
education not later than January 1, 2017.
The bill also requires the Coordinating Board to conduct a study comparing the performance,
retention rates, and graduation rates of undergraduate students at institutions of higher
education who complete a lower-division course and students who receive lower-division course
credit for the same course for achieving a score of three or more on Advanced Placement
examinations, disaggregated by score. The Coordinating Board is required to submit a report on
the study and make recommendations for legislative or administrative action to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the standing legislative
committees with primary jurisdiction over higher education not later than January 1, 2019.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 51.968(c-1) and 61.0518 to the Texas Education Code
June 3, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 3078
No
Yes
Academic Quality and Workforce
CREATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND A UNIFORM PRE-NURSING
CURRICULUM FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROFESSIONAL NURSING PROGRAMS OFFERED BY
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Darby
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 3078 creates the Uniform Pre-Nursing Curriculum Advisory Committee to develop and make
recommendations to the Legislature regarding the creation of a uniform pre-nursing curriculum
for undergraduate professional nursing programs offered by institutions of higher education. The
recommendations must specify the prerequisite courses a student must complete to qualify for
consideration for admission to an undergraduate professional nursing program and the content
for such courses. The bill requires the advisory committee to assess the prerequisite courses
required for each undergraduate professional nursing program in Texas and the ability of a
student to use course credit earned at one institution of higher education for admission to an
undergraduate professional nursing program at another institution of higher education. The
advisory committee is required to submit a report containing the committee’s findings and
recommended uniform pre-nursing curriculum to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2016.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 61.0261 to the Texas Education Code
June 18, 2015
None
20
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1470
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS FOR
POSTSECONDARY DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
Author: Watson
Sponsor: Raney
SB 1470 authorizes the Coordinating Board to enter on behalf of the state into a state
authorization reciprocity agreement among states, districts, and territories regarding the delivery
of postsecondary distance education. The state authorization reciprocity agreement establishes
comparable standards for the provision of distance education by public or private degreegranting postsecondary educational institutions in each of the states, districts, or territories
covered by the agreement to students of the other states, districts, or territories covered under
the agreement.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to apply to an appropriate organization for that purpose
and to administer the agreement, including establishing an application and approval process for
a degree-granting postsecondary educational institution with its principal campus located in
Texas to participate under the agreement and by maintaining a dispute resolution procedure for
complaints regarding participating postsecondary educational institutions located in Texas. The
Coordinating Board is required to create and administer rules for this program.
If an institution outside Texas is operating under a reciprocity agreement and violates the
agreement or relevant laws or rules, the Coordinating Board is to take appropriate action to
terminate the institution’s operations in Texas. An institution from outside of Texas may operate
without Coordinating Board approval if the institution is operating under the state authorization
reciprocity agreement.
The Coordinating Board shall, not later than September 1, 2016, submit to the Southern Regional
Education Board or other appropriate organization a plan and application for entering into a state
authorization reciprocity agreement.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends 61.401 and 61.404 of the Texas Education Code
Adds 61.05121 to the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
21
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION
HB 1054
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS UNDER THE TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE FOR
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Zaffirini
HB 1054 amends statute relating to the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) to add a “Base Academic
Skills Education” (BASE) level to developmental education definitions. BASE is defined as noncourse, competency-based developmental education programs and interventions designed for
students whose performance falls below college-readiness standards. Institutions of higher
education may refer BASE students to developmental education coursework to address student’s
deficiencies prior to enrolling in college-level academic coursework. The changes made by HB
1054 apply beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends various sections of 51.3062 of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 51.3062(f-1)
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1776
Yes
No
College Readiness and Success
EXEMPTION FROM THE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
FOR STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE CERTAIN COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSES
Author: Menendez
Sponsor: Guillen
SB 1776 establishes that each high school student who successfully completes certain college
preparatory courses are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment with respect to
the content area of each course for the two-year period following the date the student graduates
from high school.
Under this bill, student exemption is dependent upon the student enrolling in the first collegelevel course in the exempted content area in the student's first year of enrollment at an institution
of higher education. The bill requires the institution, if the student earns a grade below a "C" in
the first college-level course in the exempted content area, to advise the student of non-coursebased options for becoming college ready, such as tutoring or accelerated learning.
22
Additionally, this bill removes the requirement that the commissioner of higher education by rule
establish the period for which the exemption is valid. The bill requires the Coordinating Board to
collect and analyze data regarding the effectiveness of college preparatory courses as measured
by their first college-level courses in exempted content areas. The Coordinating Board is required
to report its findings to all partnering institutions of higher education and to the independent
school districts of each college preparatory course evaluated, as well as to state leadership (the
governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, and members of the House and Senate Committees on
Higher Education). The bill's provisions apply beginning with the assessment of entering
undergraduate students at public institutions of higher education in the 2015 fall semester.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 51.3062(q-2) of the Texas Education Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
College Readiness and Success
23
EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
HB 1300
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BE ADMITTED TO EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
Author: Capriglione
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 1300 permits an educator preparation program to admit, in extraordinary circumstances, a
person who failed to satisfy a minimum grade-point average required for admission to an
educator preparation program. The State Board of Education (SBOE) must adopt rules to permit
student admission into an educator preparation program for a student who performs satisfactorily
on an appropriate subject-matter exam for each subject in which the person seeks certification.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 21.0441(b) of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 2205
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATION, ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN
TEACHING PERMITS, AND CERTAIN PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING EDUCATOR
MISCONDUCT
Author: Crownover
Sponsor: Seliger
State Board for Educator Certification
HB 2205 increases the membership of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) from 14
to 15 members and makes changes regarding the governor’s appointments. The governor is
required to appoint two non-voting members to SBEC, which must include a dean of a college of
education in Texas and a person who has experience working for, and knowledge of, an alternative
educator preparation program who is not affiliated with an institution of higher education. The
bill permits the SBEC to make a written delegation of authority to the commissioner of education
or the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to informally dispose of a contested case involving educator
certification.
Educator Certification and Preparation Programs
House Bill 2205 also expands the requirement for certified teachers and persons who obtain a
certificate through an alternative certification program to obtain training in detecting and
educating students with dyslexia. The minimum grade-point average required for admission into
24
any educator preparation program is lowered to 2.5 on any coursework previously attempted or,
the equivalent for the last 60 semester credit hours attempted at a public or private institution of
higher education. In addition, each incoming class admitted to an educator preparation program
must have an overall grade-point average of not less than 3.0 on a four-point scale or higher, if
prescribed by the SBEC. The overall grade-point average of the incoming class may include all
previously attempted coursework or be based only on the last 60 semester credit hours attempted.
Persons seeking career and technology education certification are not included in determining
the overall grade-point average of an incoming class.
SBEC is required to establish standards for the approval and renewal of educator preparation
programs to ensure programs adequately prepare candidates for educator certification. The SBEC
must require each program to be reviewed for renewal at least every five years.
A person may not retake an educator certification exam more than four times unless the SBEC
waives the limitation for good cause as prescribed by the board. A person who initially took an
exam before September 1, 2015, may retake the examination up to four times after that date,
regardless of the number of times the person attempted to perform satisfactorily on the exam
before that date. This provision expires September 1, 2018.
A school district superintendent, with the approval of the board of trustees, may issue a teaching
permit to a person that does not hold a teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree, subject to
demonstrating expertise, formal training and education, and a variety of other standards, if the
person will teach only non-core academic career and technical education courses. The school
district shall require the new employee to obtain at least 20 hours of classroom management
training and to comply with continuing education requirements. The board of trustees must notify
the commissioner of education, via a written statement, about the employment of such a person,
the course the person will teach, and the person’s qualifications to teach the course.
Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs
HB 2205 expands the information reported in the accountability system for educator preparation
programs to include information regarding teacher candidates completing student teaching, and
data related to the program’s compliance with requirements for field supervision of candidates
during their clinical teaching and internship experiences. The SBEC is directed to develop a set of
risk factors to use in assessing the overall risk level of each educator preparation program to
include a history of the program’s compliance with state law and board rules, standards and
procedures, and whether the program meets accountability standards. The TEA shall use the set
of risk factors to guide the agency in conducting monitoring, inspections, and compliance audits
of educator preparation programs.
Issuance of Subpoenas
The bill allows the commissioner of education to issue a subpoena in the course of an educator
misconduct investigation.
25
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.093 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1309
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
ESTABLISHMENT OF A JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS TEACHING CERTIFICATE
AND ELIGIBILITY OF SUCH CERTIFIED TEACHER FOR OTHER EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION
Author: Menendez
Sponsor: Deshotel
SB 1309 requires the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to establish a standard Junior
Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) teaching certificate to program JROTC instruction. To be
eligible for the certificate, a person must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
of higher education, satisfy the eligibility and testing requirements for certification as a JROTC
instructor established by the branch of service in which the person served, and complete an
approved educator preparation program.
SBEC is directed to propose rules to approve educator preparation programs to prepare a person
as a teacher for certification and establish requirements under which a person’s training and
experience acquired during the person’s military service serves as proof of subject-matter
knowledge, and a person’s employment by a school districts as a JROTC instructor before a
student was enrolled in an educator preparation program or while enrolled, to satisfy any student
teaching, internship, or field-based experience required.
The bill specifies that for purposes of certification as a principal, an individual who receives the
JROTC teaching certificate is considered to hold a classroom teaching certificate and may count
any period during which the individual was employed by a school district as a JROTC instructor,
before or after certification, as creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.0104 to the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
26
HEALTH-RELATED PROGRAMS
HB 495
USING MONEY FROM THE PERMANENT FUND FOR HEALTH-RELATED PROGRAMS TO
PROVIDE GRANTS TO NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Author: Howard
Sponsor: Hinojosa
HB 495 extends the limitation on the use of the interest earnings from the Permanent Fund for
the Higher Education Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-Related Education Program to
support only nursing through 2019.
The bill also extends the restriction on the awards made under this program to initial licensure
registered nursing programs and programs preparing qualified faculty to obtain a master’s or
doctoral degree.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 63.202(f) and (g) of the Texas Education Code
May 29, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 3781
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
CREATING THE TEXAS HEALTH IMPROVEMENT NETWORK (THIN)
Author: Crownover
Sponsor: Watson
HB 3781 establishes a network of health professionals and health related experts to address
urgent health care challenges and improve the healthcare system in Texas and the nation. The
network would develop - based on population health research - health care initiatives, policies,
and best practices.
The bill establishes 13 specifically defined types of experts for the network to be drawn from
medical fields (including nursing and pharmacy), the sciences, public policy, health services, and
engineering/computer science.
The University of Texas System will administer and coordinate the network and provide
administrative support.
27
The bill requires the network to report results of efforts, findings, and activities to the Legislature,
state and federal partners, and other interested entities.
A network advisory council is established and is to be composed of state and national leaders in
population health; experts in traditional public health and medical fields; and leaders in the fields
of behavioral health, business, insurance, philanthropy, education, and health law/policy.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Chapter 118 to Subtitle E, Title 2 to the Texas Health and Safety Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 18
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
MEASURES TO SUPPORT OR ENHANCE GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Author: Nelson
Sponsor: Zerwas
SB 18 makes key revisions to streamline and improve the efficiency of existing Graduate Medical
Education (GME) Expansion Programs and sets up a Permanent Fund Supporting GME from funds
transferred from the Texas Medical Liability Insurance Underwriting Association. Funds from the
permanent fund will be used to support GME programs established by SB 18.
The bill makes the following changes:

Creates a special fund in the treasury outside the General Revenue fund consisting of
monies transferred or appropriated by the Legislature, gifts and grants to the fund, and
investment returns on the fund. The Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company shall
administer the fund and determine the amount available for distribution.

Allows the Coordinating Board to limit or withhold funding from any grant recipient that
does not comply with reporting requirements or that uses grant funding for a purpose not
authorized by this chapter for the grant award. It also directs the Coordinating Board to
seek reimbursement with respect to grant funds that are not used for purposes authorized.

Authorizes the Coordinating Board to award one-time grants to support graduate medical
education planning and partnership grants to hospitals, medical schools, and communitybased ambulatory patient care centers that seek to develop new GME programs with firstyear residency positions.

Allows GME programs that received Unfilled Residency Position Grants for positions that
were unfilled as of July 1, 2013, to be maintained for the duration, if it is filled by the
resident who initially filled the position. It also expands the use of funds to allow residency
28
programs to increase resident stipends and benefits and other direct resident costs to the
program.

Allows new GME programs to receive funding through the program. The revision will allow
programs that previously received funding to continue to receive funding for the duration
of the period in which the resident who initially fills the residency position continues to
hold that position.

Authorizes the Coordinating Board to set priorities in awarding new grants to medical
specialties determined by the Board to be at critical shortage levels.

Allows entities that received a grant under any of the GME Expansion programs, including
the Resident Physician Expansion Program, to be eligible if they continue to meet
applicable grant requirements that existed at the time of the initial award.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 58A.001, 58A.022, 58A.023 and 58A.024 of the Texas
Education Code
Adds 58A.002, 58A.003, 58A.0245 and 58A.0246 to the Texas Education
Code
Adds Section 105.009 to the Health and Safety Code
Adds Subchapter J to the Texas Insurance Code
Repeals Sections 58A.025 and Section 61.511 of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
HB 1 appropriates $53 million to the Coordinating Board for Graduate
Medical Education Expansion
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 295
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
TRACKING CAREER INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES OF TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOLS AND
PERSONS COMPLETING MEDICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS IN TEXAS
Author: Schwertner
Sponsor: Guillen
SB 295 directs the Coordinating Board, by rule, to establish and maintain a tracking system to
capture initial residency training locations of Texas medical school graduates and initial practice
locations for completers of Texas medical residency programs. The tracking system must use any
data reasonably available to the Board, including data maintained by or accessible to medical
schools or residency programs in Texas, and collect practice location data for two years following
residency completion. Data collected for Texas residency completers will also include medical
specialty and indicate whether the physician is in a primary care specialty. Emergency rulemaking
is granted to the Coordinating Board.
29
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code
September 1, 2015
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 1466
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
DEFINITION OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS FOR MEDICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
Author: Watson
Sponsor: Clardy
SB 1466 amends the Education Code to include in the definition of “medical schools” the
following: the medical schools at The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas Rio
Grande Valley and the medical education program of The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Tyler.
The bill clarifies that the inclusion of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center applies to
the medical school at the institution and that the inclusion of Texas A&M University applies to the
medical school at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 61.501(1) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 134.001(l) to the Texas Education Code
May 15, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
30
TRANSFER
HB 2628
DEVELOPMENT AND ALIGNMENT BY THE COORDINATING BOARD OF CURRICULA FOR
CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Garcia
HB 2628 requires the Coordinating Board, with the assistance of an advisory committee, to
periodically review each Field of Study curriculum to ensure alignment with student interest and
academic and industry needs. Approved Fields of Study curricula will provide a statewide
guarantee of transfer of course credit to any public college or university in Texas, and further
promises that the courses in the approved Field of Study will apply to a student’s relevant degree
program.
The legislation also requires the Coordinating Board to assemble advisory committees composed
of representatives from institutions of higher education, career and technical education experts,
business and industry, college and career readiness experts, and other agencies or licensing
bodies to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to prepare students for high-skill,
high-wage jobs in high-demand occupations. The Programs of Study developed are required to
include rigorous college and career readiness standards, support employability, incorporate
multiple entry and exit points, and culminate in the attainment of: 1) an industry-recognized
certification, credential, or license; or 2) a registered apprenticeship or credit-bearing
postsecondary certificate; or an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 61.823(e) and 61.8235 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
31
RESEARCH
HB 7
IMPLEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD TO REDUCE
RELIANCE ON GENERAL REVENUE-DEDICATED ACCOUNTS
Author: Darby
Sponsor: Nelson
HB 7 creates the “Governor’s University Research Initiative Fund” (GURIF) as a dedicated account
in the general revenue fund. Monies placed in the GURIF are to be allocated by the Texas Economic
Development and Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor (Office). The Office shall award
matching grants to assist eligible institutions in recruiting distinguished researchers, preferentially
but not exclusively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). (Note: SB 632
on page 34 also establishes the GURIF. Other sections of HB 7 that are not research related are
summarized on page 53.)
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 155.2415 of the Texas Tax Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 177
No
No
Financial Services
RESEARCH, COLLECTION, AND USE OF ADULT STEM CELLS
Author: Zedler
Sponsor: Bettencourt
HB 177 establishes the Adult Stem Cell Research Consortium administered by the Texas Adult
Stem Cell Research Coordinating Board. The bill states that the Texas Adult Stem Cell Research
Consortium will be composed of participating institutions of higher education and businesses that
accept public money for adult stem cell research or otherwise agree to participate in the
consortium.
The Texas Adult Stem Cell Research Coordinating Board will develop research priorities,
guidelines, and procedures for providing grants and loans to consortium members for specific
projects. The priorities, guidelines, and procedures would require that grants and loans be made
through a competitive peer reviewed process.
Funding to support the proposed program will be provided through gifts, grants, and donations.
Legislative appropriations cannot be used to support the program.
32
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Chapter 156 to Subtitle H, Title 3 of the Texas Education Code
Adds Sections 162.001(4), 162.020, 1003.002, and 1003.003 to the Texas
Health and Safety Code
Amends Chapter 1003 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
September 1, 2015
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, due to the bill's prohibition
on the program being funded with legislative appropriations.
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 1000
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
MAKES CHANGES TO THE TEXAS COMPETITIVE KNOWLEDGE FUND AND RENAMES IT AS
THE TEXAS RESEARCH UNIVERSITY FUND, RENAMES THE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUND
AS THE COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH FUND, AND CREATES THE CORE RESEARCH SUPPORT
FUND
Author: Zerwas
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 1000 changes the name of two existing research support funds and creates a third one, while
also changing which type of institution is eligible for which fund:



The Texas Competitive Knowledge Fund, presently designated for research universities and
emerging research universities, becomes the Texas Research University Fund, designated
for research universities only;
The Core Research Support Fund is a new fund, designated for emerging research
universities only; and
The Research Development Fund, presently designated for all universities except The
University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, becomes the Texas
Comprehensive Research Fund, designated for all institutions that are neither research
universities nor emerging research universities
The funding method for the new Core Research Support Fund and the Texas Comprehensive
Research Fund will be by legislative appropriation. The basis for the appropriation will still be
restricted research expenditures, in the case of the Texas Comprehensive Research Fund, and will
be a combination, in equal parts, of restricted research expenditures and total research
expenditures for the Core Research Support Fund. The allocation for the Research Development
Fund will be based on total research expenditures.
Code Reference:
Amends Sections 62.051(1) and (2), 62.052, 62.053, 62.091, 62.092 62.093,
62.095, 62.096, and 62.097 of the Texas Education Code
Adds Chapter 62, Subchapter F-1 to the Texas Education Code
33
Repeals Sections 62.0925 and 62.094 of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 44
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
CLARIFYING THAT PRIVATE GIFTS FOR FINANCIAL AID RECEIVED BY AN EMERGING
RESEARCH INSTITUTION ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A STATE MATCH UNDER THE TEXAS
RESEARCH INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Howard
SB 44 adds undergraduate research to the list of types of private gifts/endowments that can be
used to make a donor match in the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP). It also clarifies that
undergraduate financial aid grants are not eligible for matching funds.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 62.123(a) and (b) of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 632
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
CREATING THE GOVERNOR'S UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INITIATIVE AND ABOLISHING THE
TEXAS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FUND
Author: Fraser
Sponsor: Button
SB 632 amends Chapter 62, Education Code, to create a “Governor’s University Research Initiative
Fund” (GURIF) as a dedicated account in the general revenue fund. Monies placed in the GURIF
are to be allocated by the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office within the Office of
the Governor (Office). The Office shall award matching grants to assist eligible institutions in
recruiting distinguished researchers, preferentially but not exclusively in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
SB 632 repeals Chapter 490, Government Code and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. It also
abolishes any Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization established by Chapter 490.
34
All assets are transferred to the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. Unexpended cash
balances of the Emerging Technology Fund are to be divided between the Texas Research
Incentive Program (TRIP), the Texas Research University Fund (TRUF), the Governor’s University
Research Fund (GURIF), the Texas Enterprise Fund, and the Comptroller for expenses incurred in
managing the state’s portfolio.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Chapter 62, Subchapter H to the Texas Education Code
Adds Sections 490.104 and 490.101 (b-1) and (b-2) to the Texas
Government Code
Repeals Sections 490.101(c), (d), (e), (f), (f-1), (g), (h), and (i), 490.102,
490.103 and Subchapters A, B, D, E, F, and G of Chapter 490 of the Texas
Government Code
September 1, 2015
HB 1 appropriates $102 million from the Emerging Technology Fund to the
Texas Enterprise Fund ($45M), Texas Research Incentive Fund ($9M), Texas
Research University Fund ($8M) and GURIF ($40M)
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
35
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
HB 197
REQUIRING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO POST INFORMATION
REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ON THE INSTITUTION’S WEBSITE
Author: Price
Sponsor: Nelson
HB 197 requires public institutions of higher education to dedicate a web page on the institution’s
website solely to information regarding the mental health resources available to students at the
institution. The web page must include the address of the nearest local mental health authority.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 51.9193(a), (b) and (c) to Subchapter Z, Chapter 51 of the
Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 855
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
REQUIRING AGENCIES’ WEBSITES TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE MOST RECENT VERSION OF
EACH BROWSER LISTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AND WITH A
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE
Author: Sanford
Sponsor: Taylor, Van
HB 855 requires the Coordinating Board and other agencies to ensure that its main website is
generally accessible by the latest version of the top three browsers as determined by the
Department of Information Resources on a biannual basis.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Information Solutions and Services
36
HB 1287
REQUIREMENT FOR EACH STATE UNIVERSITY’S WEBSITE TO INCLUDE A LINK TO CERTAIN
EMPLOYMENT DATA
Author: Simmons
Sponsor: Burton
HB 1287 directs all general academic teaching institutions, other than a state college, to provide
a link to the Texas Consumer Resource for Education and Workforce Statistics (Texas CREWS)
website at a prominent location on the institution's Internet website. General academic teaching
institutions must comply with this legislation as soon as practicable following the effective date,
but not later than February 1, 2016.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 51.9746 to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
37
ADMISSIONS
HB 2472
AUTOMATIC ADMISSION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
AT AUSTIN
Author: Zerwas
Sponsor: Watson
HB 2472 extends The University of Texas at Austin’s authority to limit indefinitely top 10 percent
automatic admissions to 75 percent of the institution’s enrollment capacity designated for firsttime resident undergraduate students.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Repeals Section 51.803(a-3) of the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1543
No
No
College Readiness and Success
ADMISSION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WITH NONTRADITIONAL SECONDARY
EDUCATION TO PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Perry
Sponsor: Frank
SB 1543 requires an institution of higher education, if it considers class ranking in its
undergraduate admission process, to place any student who successfully completes a
nontraditional secondary education that does not have a high school graduating class ranking at
the average, high school-graduating-class rank of applicants whose standardized testing score
are equivalent to the student's scores.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends 51.9241(b) of the Texas Education Code
Adds 51.9241(d) to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
College Readiness and Success
38
SB 2031
DATE FOR PUBLICATION OF THE FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION TO A NEW
GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
Author: Watson
Sponsor: Howard
SB 2031 creates an exception to the statutory posting timeline for new graduate and professional
programs, if the accrediting body necessitates a different timeline. The admissions and scholarship
criteria must be published as soon as practicable once the accrediting body permits.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 51.842(e) to the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
39
APPROPRIATIONS/FUNDING
HB 100
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS TO FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS AT PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Zerwas
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 100 amends the Texas Education Code to authorize the issuance of Tuition Revenue Bonds
(TRBs). The total amount of bonds authorized by this bill is $3,102,952,000.
Section 1 of the bill specifies the amount of bonds authorized, conditions for issuance, and
projects:
INSTITUTION
Texas A&M University - Commerce
PROJECT NAME
Nursing and Health Sciences Building
Life Sciences Research and Engineering
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Building
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Educational Complex
Texas A&M University - Texarkana
Academic and Student Service Building
West Texas A&M University
Agricultural Sciences Complex
West Texas A&M University
Renovation of the Amarillo Center
Texas A&M University System Health
Dental Clinic Facility at the Baylor
Science Center
College of Dentistry
Texas A&M University System Health
Multidisciplinary Research and
Science Center
Education Facility in Bryan, Texas
Library Renovation through the addition
Texas A&M International University
of instructional and support space
Fabrication Center and capital
Prairie View A&M University
improvements
Tarleton State University
Applied Sciences Building
Southwest Metroplex Building in Tarrant
Tarleton State University
County
Texas A&M University
Biocontainment Research Facility
Classroom and Laboratory Facility and
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Campus Infrastructure
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Multipurpose Building
Science and Technology Building and
Texas A&M University - San Antonio
Campus Infrastructure
The University of Texas at Austin
Renovation of Robert A. Welch Hall
Multipurpose Academic Center at the
The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Campus in Brownsville
HB 100
$48,000,000
$60,000,000
$60,000,000
$32,000,000
$38,160,000
$7,200,000
$72,000,000
$72,000,000
$55,200,000
$28,632,000
$54,000,000
$39,600,000
$75,000,000
$60,000,000
$36,000,000
$63,000,000
$75,000,000
$36,432,000
40
INSTITUTION
PROJECT NAME
Interdisciplinary Engineering Academic
The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Studies Building in Edinburg
Construction and Renovation of a
The University of Texas Southwestern
Vivarium and Academic and Laboratory
Medical Center
Facilities
The University of Texas Health Science
Facility renewal and renovation
Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Cancer Center
Building
The University of Texas Medical Branch at
Health Education Center
Galveston
Science and Engineering Innovation and
The University of Texas at Arlington
Research Building
The University of Texas at Dallas
Engineering Building
The University of Texas at El Paso
Interdisciplinary Research Facility
Instructional Science and Engineering
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Building
The University of Texas at Tyler
STEM Building
The University of Texas Health Science
Renovation and Modernization of
Center at Houston
educational and research facilities
The University of Texas Health Science
Renovation and Modernization of
Center at Tyler
educational and research facilities
The University of Texas of the Permian
Engineering and Kinesiology Buildings
Basin
University of Houston
Health and Biomedical Sciences Center
University of Houston
New Academic Building in Sugarland, TX
Health Sciences and Classroom Building
University of Houston - Clear Lake
in Pearland, TX
University of Houston - Clear Lake
STEM and Classroom Building
University of Houston - Downtown
Science and Technology Building
Academic expansion and land
University of Houston - Victoria
acquisition
Construction of a building and land
University of Houston System
purchase near Katy
Lamar University
Science Building
Lamar State College - Orange
Multipurpose Education Building
Expansion of Technology Program
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Facilities
Construction and Renovation of the
Lamar Institute of Technology
Technical Arts Buildings
Texas State University
Engineering and Science Building
HB 100
$30,600,000
$80,000,000
$80,000,000
$70,000,000
$67,800,000
$70,000,000
$70,000,000
$70,000,000
$70,000,000
$60,000,000
$80,000,000
$14,800,000
$48,000,000
$63,000,000
$54,000,000
$24,624,000
$54,000,000
$60,000,000
$60,000,000
$46,832,000
$60,000,000
$10,000,000
$8,080,000
$12,500,000
$63,000,000
41
INSTITUTION
Texas State University - San Marcos
Sam Houston State University
Sul Ross State University
University of North Texas System
University of North Texas
University of North Texas at Dallas
University of North Texas Health Science
Center at Fort Worth
Texas Woman's University
Midwestern State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center at El Paso
PROJECT NAME
Health Professions Building in Round
Rock, TX
Biology Laboratory Building
Renovation and Modernization of
Educational and Related Facilities and
Infrastructure
Renovations of College of Law Buildings
Construction and Renovation of College
of Visual Arts and Design Facilities
Student Learning and Success Center
HB 100
$48,600,000
$48,000,000
$6,240,000
$56,000,000
$70,000,000
$63,000,000
Interdisciplinary Research Building
$80,000,000
Laboratory Building
Academic Expansion and revitalization
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics Research Building
Lubbock education, research, and
technology facilities
$37,997,000
$58,400,000
Permian Basin Academic Facility
$14,256,000
Amarillo Panhandle Clinical/Hospital
Simulation
El Paso Medical Science Building II
$46,400,000
$60,264,000
$5,715,000
$75,520,000
Experimental Sciences High Tech
$70,000,000
Interdisciplinary Research Building
College of Health and Human Services
Angelo State University
$21,360,000
Building
Texas Southern University
Robert J. Terry Library
$60,000,000
Texas State Technical College - West Texas Industrial Technology Center
$12,000,000
Phase II of the Engineering Technology
Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
$3,750,000
Center Renovation
Texas State Technical College - Waco
Fort Bend Campus Building #2
$14,950,000
Purchase and Renovation of the North
Texas State Technical College - Marshall
$11,040,000
Texas Technology Center
Total
$3,102,952,000
Texas Tech University
Code Reference:
Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections
55.1781, 55.1782, 55.1783, 55.1784, 55.1785, 55.1786, 55.1787, 55.1788,
55.1789, 55.17891, and 55.17892
Sections 55.17721(d) and (e), Education Code, are repealed.
42
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
September 1, 2015
Debt service costs of $240 million in FY2017 included in HB 1; one-time
allocation methodology will be determined by affected systems and
institutions through negotiated rulemaking.
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 1191
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
CONTINUING THE HIGHER EDUCATION FUND AND ALLOCATING ANNUAL
CONSTITUTIONAL APPROPRIATIONS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Crownover
SB 1191 amends the Texas Education Code to continue the Higher Education Fund (HEF) and
provides for the allocation to remain at $262.5 million in FY 2016 but increase to $393.75 million
in FY 2017.
Section 1 provides language reflecting a status quo funding level for 2016, with an increase
effective in 2017:
INSTITUTION
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas A&M International University
West Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University -Texarkana
University of Houston
University of Houston-Clear Lake
University of Houston-Downtown
University of Houston-Victoria
Midwestern State University
University of North Texas
University of North Texas-Dallas
University of North Texas Health
Science Center
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University
Angelo State University
FY2016
FY2017
7,424,229
5,977,371
4,473,273
4,776,272
7,190,875
1,215,922
35,180,036
5,336,744
7,835,252
2,850,574
3,374,275
25,041,370
1,408,669
11,136,344
8,966,056
6,709,910
7,164,408
10,786,313
1,823,883
52,770,054
8,005,116
11,752,877
4,275,861
5,061,412
37,562,056
2,113,004
11,394,570
17,091,856
7,757,442
7,773,229
32,817,206
3,546,735
11,636,163
11,659,843
49,225,809
5,320,102
43
INSTITUTION
FY2016
Texas Tech University Health Science
Center
Texas Tech University Health Science
Center-El Paso
Texas Woman’s University
Lamar University
Lamar-Institute of Technology
Lamar-Orange
Lamar-Port Arthur
Sam Houston State University
Texas State University
Sul Ross State University
Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande
Allocated Total
Texas State Technical College System
Total
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
$
$
FY2017
15,581,597
23,372,396
4,156,050
6,234,075
9,897,706
9,401,255
1,720,347
1,129,562
1,438,523
11,553,239
24,775,170
1,423,682
273,825
256,725,000
5,775,000
262,500,000
14,846,558
14,101,882
2,580,521
1,694,343
2,157,784
17,329,858
37,162,755
2,135,523
410,738
385,087,500
8,662,500
393,750,000
$
$
Section 62.021, Education Code
Section 62.024, Education Code
Section 62.027(c), Education Code
The amounts allocated in SB 1191 apply to the state fiscal year beginning
September 1, 2015.
$131,250,000 over the base amount of $262.5 million, beginning in fiscal
year 2017.
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
44
CAREER SCHOOLS
HB 1049
CLASSIFICATION OF LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAMS AS POSTSECONDARY
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Author: Rodríguez, Eddie
Sponsor: Rodríguez
HB 1049 explicitly designates the course of instruction in massage therapy as a postsecondary
education program and authorizes massage schools that provide instruction to persons beyond
the age of compulsory education to operate educational programs in massage therapy at the
postsecondary level.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 455.203 of the Texas Occupations Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
45
COMMUNITY, STATE AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES
HB 382
REQUIRING THE SOUTH TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TO ADOPT AND
IMPLEMENT A PLAN TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS IN A
CERTAIN LOCATION
Author: Canales
Sponsor: Lucio, Jr.
HB 382 requires the board of trustees of the South Texas Community College District to adopt
and implement a plan to expand opportunity for instructional programs consisting of
postsecondary courses leading to an associate degree offered in a classroom setting within the
corporate limits of the municipality of Edcouch or Elsa at the beginning of the 2019-2020
academic year. The plan, leading to a branch campus, center, or extension facility must be within
the role and scope of the college as determined by the Coordinating Board.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.254 to Subchapter K of the Texas Education Code
Sections 130.086, 130.0865, and 130.087 of the Texas Education Code are
transferred to Subchapter K, Chapter 130 and redesignated as Sections
130.251, 130.252, and 130.253
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 658
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
CREATION OF A CAMPUS OF THE TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM IN FORT BEND
COUNTY
Author: Zerwas
Sponsor: Kolkhorst
HB 658 establishes a Texas State Technical College (TSTC) campus in Fort Bend County.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 135.02(a) and 135.04(b) of the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
46
HB 1051
CREATING A CAMPUS OF THE TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM LOCATED IN ELLIS
COUNTY
Author: Wray
Sponsor: Birdwell
HB 1051 changes the status of the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) facility located in Ellis
County from an extension center to a campus.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 135.02(a) of the Texas Education Code
May 21, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 1583
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
BLOCK SCHEDULING FOR CERTAIN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT
PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGES
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Zaffirini
HB 1583 requires public community colleges to establish a block schedule curriculum for at least
five programs not previously offered as a block schedule curriculum in allied health, nursing, and
career and technology associate degree or certificate programs. A block schedule curriculum shall
offer a full-time student scheduled blocks each semester, such as morning, full-day, afternoon,
evening or weekend to provide scheduling predictability to students from semester to semester.
Students may enroll in an entire block schedule curriculum offered under the program in a
semester, rather than enrolling in individual courses leading toward the degree or certificate.
Each public community college is required to publish the available block schedule curricula for
each associate degree or certificate program or certificate program offered each semester. The
Coordinating Board, in consultation with community colleges, shall adopt rules as necessary to
administer the provisions of this bill including rules prescribing a process by which a college may
petition the Coordinating Board for an exception to the number of programs for which block
scheduling is required due to hardship. The Coordinating Board is required to submit a report on
the effectiveness of block scheduling and any related recommendations for legislative or other
action to the governor and Legislature no later than November 1, 2018. The provisions of this bill
apply beginning with the 2016 fall semester.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.0095 to the Texas Education Code
June 3, 2015
None
47
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 3348
Yes
Yes
Academic Quality and Workforce
AUTHORIZATION BY THE COORDINATING BOARD FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGES
TO OFFER BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Eltife
HB 3348 requires the Coordinating Board to approve a pilot project for a baccalaureate dental
hygiene program for community colleges that offer a dental hygiene degree program, have a
main campus located in the county seat of a county with a population greater than 200,000, and
include territory in at least six public school districts located in two counties. Currently, Tyler
Junior College is the only institution that meets the criteria in the bill.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to prepare a progress report not later than January 1,
2017, and not later than January 1, 2019, for submission to the governor, lieutenant governor, the
speaker of the House of Representatives, and members of the House and Senate Committees on
Higher Education on the effectiveness of the pilot project, including any recommendations for
legislative action regarding the offering of baccalaureate degree programs in the field of dental
hygiene by a public junior college.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 130.0012 (b-1), (b-2), (b-3), (k) and (l) to the Texas Education
Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 386
Yes
Yes
Academic Quality and Workforce
RELATING TO SCHOOL MARSHALS FOR PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Author: Taylor, Van
Sponsor: Villalba
SB 386 authorizes the governing board of a public community college to appoint an applicant
who is an employee of the college and certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as
a school marshal. The bill further allows the school marshal to carry a handgun on campus
premises in a manner provided by written regulations adopted by the governing board.
48
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Articles 2.127(a) and (d) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure,
Section 1701.260(a), (j), and (l) of the Texas Occupations Code
Adds Section 51.220 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 495
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
SERVICE AREAS OF CERTAIN JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICTS
Author: Watson
Sponsor: Miller, Doug
SB 495 moves the territory within Gillespie County from the service area of the Austin Community
College District to the service area of the Central Texas College District.
The bill moves the territory within the part of the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School
District located in Gonzales County from the Austin Community College District service area to
The Victoria College District service area.
This bill's provisions apply beginning with the 2015 fall semester, except that during the 2015–
2016 academic year the Austin Community College District may continue to treat the areas
removed by the bill as if they were still in the district's service area, as necessary to, avoid an
unreasonable interruption of junior college services in the areas.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 130.166, 130.171, and 130.208 of the Texas Education
Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
49
SB 1189
ESTABLISHMENT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM AT
EACH PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Zerwas
SB 1189 requires the governing board of each public community college district to establish a
multidisciplinary studies associate degree program at each junior college in the district beginning
in the fall 2016 semester. The bill specifies the program must require a student to successfully
complete the community college’s core curriculum and after completion of the core curriculum,
the courses selected by the student in the student’s degree plan.
Further, the bill adds a requirement that a student, before the beginning of the regular semester
or term immediately following the semester or term in which the student successfully completes
a cumulative total of 30 or more semester credit hours for coursework in a multidisciplinary studies
associate degree program established under this bill, the student must meet with an academic
advisor to complete a statutorily required degree plan that:

Accounts for all remaining credit hours required for the completion of the degree
program; and

Emphasizes the student's transition to a particular four-year college or university that the
student chooses and prepares the student for the intended field of study or major at the
four-year college or university.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to adopt rules, as necessary, for the administration of this
section, including rules ensuring that a multidisciplinary studies associate degree program is
established at each public junior college and that the common application form contains a
description of multidisciplinary studies associate degree programs established under this section.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.0104 to the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
50
FEES
HB 671
AUTHORIZING THE IMPOSITION OF AN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS FEE AT STEPHEN F.
AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Nichols
HB 671 amends the Texas Education Code to authorize an Intercollegiate Athletics Fee to be
charged by Stephen F. Austin State University.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 54.5202 to the Texas Education Code
June 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 2568
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
AUTHORIZING A STUDENT CENTER FEE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA
Author: Morrison
Sponsor: Kolkhorst
HB 2568 amends the Texas Education Code to add a recreation and wellness facility fee at the
University of Houston - Victoria.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 54.5405 to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
51
HB 2921
AUTHORIZING A RECREATION AND WELLNESS FACILITY FEE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE
Author: Paul
Sponsor: Taylor, Larry
HB 2921 amends the Texas Education Code to add a recreation and wellness facility fee at the
University of Houston - Clear Lake.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 54.5401 to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 596
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
ALLOWING THE BOARD OF REGENTS TO INCREASE THE LONG SESSION AND SUMMER
SESSION STUDENT CENTERS FEE AT TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
Author: Estes
Sponsor: Crownover
SB 596 amends the Education Code to increase the maximum amount of the Student Center Fee
at Texas Woman’s University.
The bill does not modify the minimum but does increase the cap. The potential increase is from
a cap of $40 per student to $75 per student for the fall and spring terms; for each summer session
the cap increases from $20 to $35.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 54.525(a) and (c) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 54.525(d) to the Texas Education Code
May 28, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
52
FINANCIAL AID
HB 7
IMPLEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD TO REDUCE
RELIANCE ON GENERAL REVENUE-DEDICATED ACCOUNTS
Author: Darby
Sponsor: Nelson
Section 36 of HB 7 amends the Texas Tax Code to allow the Comptroller to retain any tax revenue
in excess of the encumbered balance in the Physician Education Loan Repayment Program (PELRP)
account and to deposit these funds into the General Revenue account for use in health-related
purposes.
The bill requires “excess” fund balances in the PELRP Fund 5144 account to be spent down. Once
this balance is reduced, the Comptroller will begin transferring tobacco tax revenue to the
Coordinating Board once again up to the amount appropriated.
The bill does not specify the impact, if any, to the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance
Program. That rider provides for any reallocated funds from the PELRP Fund (Account 5144) to a
qualifying nursing faculty in accordance with Texas Education Code Chapter 61, Subchapter II,
§61.9826.
HB 7 creates the “Governor’s University Research Initiative Fund” (GURIF) as a dedicated account
in the general revenue fund. Monies placed in the GURIF are to be allocated by the Texas Economic
Development and Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor (Office). The Office shall award
matching grants to assist eligible institutions in recruiting distinguished researchers, preferentially
but not exclusively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). (Note: SB 632
on page 34 also establishes the GURIF).
Other sections of HB 7 are not related to the Coordinating Board.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 155.2415 of the Texas Tax Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Financial Services
53
HB 530
USING PROCEEDS FROM CRIMINAL ASSET FORFEITURE TO PROVIDE COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF PEACE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Author: Hernandez
Sponsor: West
HB 530 provides college scholarships to children of police officers who are killed in action. The
scholarships will be funded with 10 percent of the value of assets forfeited by the law enforcement
agency. The Attorney General is required to produce an annual report related to these actions.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Article 59.06(r) and (s) to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 700
No
No
Financial Services
REPEAL OF THE TEXAS B-ON-TIME STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM
Author: Giddings
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 700 abolishes the Texas B-On-Time (BOT) student loan program, phasing out the program
over the next five years. BOT loans will only be provided to students who received an initial loan
before the 2015-2016 academic year. On September 1, 2020, the BOT is abolished and remaining
funds may be appropriated to institutions based on a formula adopted by the Coordinating Board.
The formula must fairly allocate the remaining funds to institutions at which the BOT was
underutilized. The BOT will be considered underutilized if the institution’s percentage of the total
tuition set-aside for the program across all institutions was greater than the percentage of
students at that institution who received a loan for the same period. The formula determination
must be made using a period of academic years occurring before the 2015-2016 academic year.
As of the 2015 fall semester, HB 700 eliminates the requirement for institutions to collect five
percent of resident undergraduate designated tuition in excess of $46 per semester credit hour
to fund the BOT.
Several conforming changes to the Texas Education Code are due to the repeal of the BOT.
Code Reference:
Amends Sections 52.89(c), 52.90(a) and (b), 52.91, 52.91(a) and (c),
54.0065(a) and 56.011(a) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 56.0092 to the Texas Education Code
54
Repeals Sections 52.89(c-1), 52.91(b), 56.307(l) and Subchapter Q of
Chapter 56 of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 239
Yes
No
Financial Services
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Author: Schwertner
Sponsor: Zerwas
SB 239 creates a loan repayment program for certain mental health professionals who have
completed up to five consecutive years of practice in a mental health professional shortage area
designated by the Department of State Health Services and provides mental health services to
Medicaid recipients, enrollees in the child health plan program, or persons committed to a secure
correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or
persons confined in a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with any division
of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Mental health professionals may not receive
repayment assistance for more than five years.
The bill specifies that no more than 10 percent of the number of repayment grants can be awarded
each year to mental health professionals working in state correctional facilities. No more than 30
percent of the number of repayment grants can be awarded each year to any one of the eligible
professionals. The bill establishes a schedule for repayment assistance starting at 10 percent for
the first year and up to 30 percent for the fifth year. The total amount of assistance varies by
mental health professional.
The eligible mental health professionals are as follows: a licensed physician who is a graduate of
an accredited psychiatric residency training program or certified in psychiatry by the American
Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and
Psychiatry, a psychologist, a licensed professional counselor, an advanced practice registered
nurse who holds a nationally recognized board certification in psychiatric or mental health
nursing, and a licensed clinical social worker.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Subchapter K, Chapter 61 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
HB 1 appropriates $850,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $1,275,000 in fiscal year
2017
55
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 686
Yes
No
Financial Services
ALLOWING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE MATH AND SCIENCE SCHOLARS LOAN REPAYMENT
PROGRAM
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Clardy
SB 686 authorizes the Texas Legislature to appropriate funds to support the Math and Science
Scholars Loan Repayment Program. Previously the statute authorizing the program stated that
the Legislature may not appropriate general revenue to the Mathematics and Science Teacher
Investment Fund, a dedicated account to be used to provide loan repayment assistance to
qualifying teachers. The bill repeals the prohibition on funding.
The Coordinating Board has administrative authority for the program. Under statute, not more
than 1,000 eligible persons may be provided loan repayment assistance in the 2016-17 academic
year. The maximum number of eligible persons for the 2017-18 academic year and the 2018-19
academic year are 2,000 and 3,000 respectively. The maximum number of eligible persons that
can be provided loan repayment assistance in any school year is 4,000. This section of the bill
would expire January 1, 2020.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 61.9831, 61.9832(a) and (c), 61.9837(b), and 61.9839(a)
and (b) of the Texas Education Code
Repeals Section 61.9837(f) of the Texas Education Code
May 29, 2015
HB 1 directs $2.6M for this purpose
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 947
Yes
No
Financial Services
STUDY AND REPORT BY THE COORDINATING BOARD ON THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS THROUGH THE TEXAS COLLEGE WORK-STUDY
PROGRAM
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Howard
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to conduct a one-time study to examine the feasibility of
providing off-campus employment positions. The study must identify best practices for
developing partnerships with employers, identify any careers or industries that are well-suited for
56
providing off-campus work-study employment positions, and identify any public community
colleges that demonstrate strong potential for successful participation in a pilot program to
develop partnerships with employers to provide off-campus work-study employment positions.
Further, the bill requires the Coordinating Board to submit to the governor, lieutenant governor,
the speaker of the House of Representatives, and members of the House and Senate committees
on higher education a report on the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative
or other action, not later than December 1, 2016. The bill’s provisions expire September 1, 2017.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 56.081 to the Texas Education Code
May 22, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1750
No
Yes
Financial Services
REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS PROVIDED THROUGH THE TEXAS COLLEGE
WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
Author: West
Sponsor: Murphy
SB 1750 requires that at least 20 percent, but no more than 50 percent, of the employment
positions through the Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWS) be provided by employers who
are providing employment located off campus.
The bill also requires the Coordinating Board, no later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year,
to submit and post a biennial report on its website on the TCWS program. The report is to include
the total number of students employed through the program, disaggregated by: 1) the
employment position's location (on and off campus); and 2) the employer's for-profit or nonprofit
status. The initial report is due May 1, 2019.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 56.076 and 56.079(l) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 56.082 to the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
Yes
Yes
Financial Services
57
INSTIUTIONAL/GOVERNANCE CHANGES
HB 2621
APPOINTING TWO MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE BLINN JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT’S BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Author: Raney
Sponsor: Schwertner
HB 2621 requires the commissioner’s court of each county in which a branch campus of the Blinn
Junior College District is located and enrolls greater than 10,000 students to appoint two members
to serve on the district’s board of trustees.
If an advisory committee for a branch campus has been previously established, the members must
be selected from the advisory committee. These members may participate in the decision-making
of the board to the same extent as any other member of the board. However, members of a county
that is not located in the Blinn Junior College District may participate in the decision-making of
the board only in matters not related to the imposition of a tax or the distribution of revenue
raised from a tax.
The provisions of this act would expire on December 1, 2019, unless the Legislature continues
them.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.0827 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 24
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Zerwas
SB 24 requires the Coordinating Board to create an intensive short orientation course for newly
appointed regents of university systems and institutions. A newly appointed regent whose first
year of service on the governing board begins on or after January 1, 2016, is prohibited from
voting until the course is completed. The course must be offered online, be interactive, and include
best practices relating to excellence, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the governance
and administration of general academic teaching institutions.
58
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 61.084(a) and (d) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Sections 61.084(a-1), (a-2), (h) and 61.0841 to the Texas Education
Code
January 1, 2016
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 42
Yes
No
College Readiness and Success
RELATING TO THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR STUDENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
REGENTS OF A STATE UNIVERSITY OR STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Sheffield
SB 42 amends the Education Code to prohibit the governor from appointing to the board of
regents of a state university or state university system a student member who did not submit an
application to the student government of the university or of a general academic teaching
institution or medical and dental unit in the system, respectively.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 51.355(c) and 51.356(d) of the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 907
No
No
General Counsel
RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE TEXAS TECH
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEES OF
THE SYSTEM'S COMPONENTS
Author: Perry
Sponsor: Frullo
SB 907 is an omnibus bill regarding Texas Tech University System and its component institutions.
The bill:

Updates the code to reflect that Texas Tech University System Administration and Texas
Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso are part of the Texas Tech System;

Modifies the code regarding the lease of oil, gas, and minerals;
59

Deletes dated language in Sec. 110.11 regarding the Rural Medical Education Board, which
was abolished last session; and

Repeals Sec. 109.49, Education Code, which requires that the proceeds from the sale of
crops be used to defray the expenses of conducting the agricultural activities.
It also broadens Texas Tech System Board of Regents’ authority to operate a museum without
financial support from the city. Currently, it may rent, lease, or convey for money a part of the
campus, not to exceed four acres, to the city of Lubbock for a museum which will be built and
maintained with city tax money. No money shall be expended by the board, except as may be
appropriated by the Legislature. The bill would remove all of these limitations.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 109.001(d) to the Texas Education Code
Amends various sections of Subchapter A. Chapter 109 and Chapter 110 of
the Texas Education Code
Amends Section 501.022 of the Texas Labor Code
Repeals Sections 109.44, 109.46, 109.47, 109.49, 110.04, and 110.14 of the
Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
60
P-16 INITIATIVES
HB 18
MEASURES TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND HIGH
SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND CAREER PREPARATION
Author: Aycock
Sponsor: Perry
Texas High Performance Schools Consortium HB 18 adds the State Board of Education (SBOE)
to the organizations that shall receive information from the Texas High Performance Schools
Consortium (Consortium) regarding methods for transforming public schools, standards relating
to career and college readiness, and measures relating to performance and progress. The
Consortium membership is expanded to 30 participants from 20.
Dual Credit HB 18 prohibits any limitation of the number of dual credit courses or semester
credit hours in which a high school student may enroll each semester or academic year.
Further, HB 18 requires a dual credit course be taught by a qualified instructor approved by the
public junior college. An instructor is considered qualified if the instructor:

Holds a doctoral or master’s degree in the discipline that is the subject of the course;

Holds a master’s degree in another discipline with a concentration that required
completion of a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline that is the
subject of the course; or

For a course that is offered in an associate degree program that is not designed for transfer
to a baccalaureate degree program, holds a doctoral, master’s or baccalaureate degree in
the discipline that is the subject of the course or an associate degree and demonstrated
competencies in the discipline of the subject of the course, as determined by the
Coordinating Board.
A public community college has 60 days to approve or reject an application for approval to teach
a dual credit course at a high school.
College and Career Readiness Materials The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is required to
develop uniform public outreach materials that explain the importance, and outline the details of
public school curriculum changes made by HB 5, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session and
subsequent decisions made by the SBOE. The TEA must make the materials available to school
districts in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and must include an explanation of the basic career
and college readiness components of each endorsement available to students, the curriculum
requirements to gain automatic college admission, and curriculum requirements for financial aid
eligibility.
61
Instruction Requirements HB 18 requires each school district to provide instruction to seventhor eighth-grade students in preparing for high school, college, and a career. The instruction must
include information on the distinguished level of achievement, endorsement options, high school
personal graduation plan, college readiness standards, and education needed for potential career
choices. This section applies beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.
Postsecondary Education and Career Counseling Academies The Center for Teaching and
Learning (Center) at The University of Texas at Austin is required to develop and make available
postsecondary education and career counseling academies for middle and high school counselors
and other postsecondary advisors employed by a school district. The Center must solicit input
from the TEA, school counselors, Texas Workforce Commission, institutions of higher education,
and business, community, and school leaders. An academy developed under this bill, must provide
counselors and other postsecondary advisors with the knowledge and skills to provide counseling
regarding postsecondary success and productive career planning. The bill provides specific
information that must be included in the academies such as endorsement details and career
opportunities associated with each, opportunities to earn credit for a course not offered at the
school where the student is enrolled, general academic performance requirements for admission
to an institution of higher education, and regional workforce needs.
The Center must develop an online instructional program that school districts may use in
providing the instruction in high school, college, and career preparation. School districts must
include the instruction as part of an existing course.
A school counselor who participates in an academy is entitled to a stipend in the amount
determined by the Center. Teachers participating in an academy may receive a stipend if funds
are available after all eligible counselors have received a stipend.
Texas Success Initiative Assessment HB 18 requires institutions of higher education that
administer the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) to report to each school district from
which assessed students graduated high school all available information regarding students’ score
and performance on the assessment and student demographics beginning with the fall 2016
semester. The Coordinating Board shall adopt rules, as necessary, to implement these provisions,
including rules that ensure compliance with federal laws regarding the confidentiality of student
information.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 7.0561(b), (c), (d) and (j), and 28.009(b) of the Texas
Education Code
Amends Section 303.003(b-2) of the Texas Labor Code
Adds Sections 28.015, 28.016, 33.009, 51.3062(u), 130.008(g) and (h) to the
Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
HB 1 appropriates $20,000,000 in General Revenue for the 2016-2017
biennium
62
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 505
Yes (part)
No
College Readiness and Success
PROHIBITION OF LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF DUAL CREDIT COURSES OR HOURS IN
WHICH A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MAY ENROLL
Author: Rodríguez, Eddie
Sponsor: Estes
HB 505 prohibits the Coordinating Board from adopting a rule that would limit the number of
dual credit courses or hours in which a high school student may enroll each semester or academic
year beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.
The bill also repeals statutory language that limited the number of dual credit courses in which a
student could enroll at a college outside the student’s high school service area.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 28.009(b) of the Texas Education Code
Repeals Section 130.008(f) of the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 1431
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BE ADMITTED TO EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
Author: Capriglione
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 1431 requires the State Board of Education (SBOE), in consultation with the commissioner of
higher education and business and industry leaders, to develop an advanced language course in
industry-related terminology that prepares students to communicate in a language other than
English in a specific professional, business, or industry environment.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 28.002(t) to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
College Readiness and Success
63
HB 1613
ALIGNMENT OF COLLEGE READINESS STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS ON THE TEXAS
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND THE USE OF THE TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE
ASSESSMENT TO SATISFY REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING HIGH SCHOOL END-OF-COURSE
ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS
Author: Guillen
Sponsor: Perry
HB 1613 requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to develop and adopt a chart that clearly
indicates the alignment of the college and career readiness standards and expectations with the
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) no later than January 1, 2016.
Further, HB 1613 allows a high school student enrolled in a college preparatory math or English
language arts course under Texas Education Code 28.014 who satisfies the Texas Success Initiative
(TSI) college readiness benchmarks on the TSI Assessment to be exempt from the Algebra I or the
English I and English II end-of-course assessment instruments, as applicable.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 28.008(d) and 39.025(a-1) of the Texas Education Code
Adds 39.025(a-2) to the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 2349
No
No
College Readiness and Success
PUBLIC SCHOOL ASSESSMENT, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Author: Aycock
Sponsor: Kolkhorst
HB 2349 replaces vendor-specific assessments with non-vendor-specific language for ways in
which high school students may earn a performance acknowledgement on their diploma and
transcripts. The bill allows for a performance acknowledgement by earning a state-recognized
business or industry certification or license.
The bill allows the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to defer releasing State of Texas Assessments of
Academic Readiness (STAAR) questions and answer keys to the extent necessary to develop
additional assessment instruments.
Further, HB 2349 requires high school students to take an end-of-course exam only for a course
in which the student was enrolled. The TEA must report results of assessments from out-of-state
transfer students separately to school districts.
64
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.093 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 2812
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
LIMIT ON JUNIOR COLLEGE COURSES THAT A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MAY ENROLL IN FOR
DUAL CREDIT AND THE CALCULATION OF AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE FOR A SCHOOL
DISTRICT OR OPEN ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOL
Author: Springer
Sponsor: Taylor, Van
HB 2812 removes the restriction for a high school student to enroll in no more than three dual
credit courses at a junior college, whether or not the student’s high school district was in the junior
college’s service area.
The bill also permits the commissioner of education to approve instructional programs provided
off campus by an entity other than a school district or open enrollment charter school as a
program in which participation by a student of a district or charter school may be counted for
purposes of determining average daily attendance. The commissioner is required to adopt rules
to verify and report time spent by students participating in approved off-campus instructional
programs. Time students spend participating in an approved off-campus instruction program shall
be counted as part of the minimum number of instructional hours required for a student to be
considered a full-time student in average daily attendance.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 42.005(h) and 42.0052 to the Texas Education Code
Repeals 130.008(f) of the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
65
SB 149
CREATION OF INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION COMMITTEES FOR CERTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Huberty
SB 149 creates alternative methods for satisfying certain public high school graduation
requirements, including the use of individual graduation committees. An 11th- or 12th-grade high
school student who failed to comply with end-of-course requirements for no more than two
courses may be eligible for receipt of a high school diploma on the basis of individual graduation
committee review. A school district is required to establish an individual graduation committee
composed of: the principal or principal’s designee; for each end-of-course assessment instrument
on which the student failed to perform satisfactorily, the teacher of the course; the department
chair or lead teacher supervising said teacher; and as applicable, the student’s parent or person
standing in parental relation to the student; a designated advocate if the parent or person
standing in parental relation to the student is unable to serve; the student, at the student’s option,
if the student is at least 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor.
The bill further specifies that the individual graduation committee shall recommend additional
requirements by which the student may qualify to graduate, including: additional remediation,
and for each for each end-of-course assessment instrument on which the student failed to
perform satisfactorily: the completion of a project related to the subject area of the course that
demonstrates proficiency in the subject area; or the preparation of a portfolio of work samples in
the subject area of the course, including work samples from the course that demonstrate
proficiency in the subject area.
In determining whether a student for whom an individual graduation committee is established is
qualified to graduate, the committee shall consider a variety of factors including:

The recommendation of the student's teacher in each course for which the student failed
to perform satisfactorily on an end-of-course assessment instrument;

The student's grade in each course for which the student failed to perform satisfactorily
on an end-of-course assessment instrument;

The student's score on each end-of-course assessment instrument on which the student
failed to perform satisfactorily;

The student's performance on any additional requirements recommended by the
committee;

The number of hours of remediation that the student has attended, including attendance
in a college preparatory course or attendance in and successful completion of a
transitional college course in reading or math;

The student’s attendance rate;
66

The student's satisfaction of any of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college readiness
benchmarks prescribed by the Coordinating Board;

The student's successful completion of a dual credit course in English, mathematics,
science, or social studies; and

The student’s successful completion of a high school pre-advanced placement, advanced
placement, or international baccalaureate program course in English, mathematics,
science, or social studies.
The bill specifies the committee’s vote determining whether the student is qualified to graduate
must be unanimous and that is not subject to appeal.
The bill requires the commissioner of education, by rule, to establish a timeline for the individual
graduation committee to make a determination, but for the 2014-2015 school year, the school
district that the student attends shall establish a timeline for making a determination.
Further, the bill specifies that notwithstanding the statutory provision that the commissioner of
education adopt rules requiring a student in the foundation high school program be administered
each required end-of-course assessment instrument, a student who fails to perform satisfactorily
on an end-of-course assessment instrument may receive a high school diploma if the student has
qualified for graduation under the Individual Graduation Committee Review. This subsection
expires September 1, 2017.
SB 149 also specifies that a student who - after retaking an end-of-course assessment instrument
for Algebra I or English II - has failed to perform satisfactorily, but who receives a passing score
on the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment for the corresponding subject for which the
student failed to perform satisfactorily on the end-of-course assessment instrument, then satisfies
the requirement concerning the Algebra I or English II end-of-course assessment, as applicable.
This subsection expires September 1, 2017.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds 12.104(b-2), 28.025(c-6), 28.0258, 28.0259, and 39.025(a-2) and (a-3)
to the Texas Education Code
May 11, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
College Readiness and Success
67
SB 453
MINIMUM SCORES REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CREDIT BY AN
EXAMINATION ADMINISTERED THROUGH THE COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Clardy
This bill requires a school district to award credit to a student who achieves a scale score of at
least the 50th percentile on an exam administered through the College-Level Examination
Program (CLEP). The bill lowers the minimum from 60.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 28.023(c-1) of the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 955
No
No
College Readiness and Success
PERMISSIBLE LOCATIONS OF OPEN-ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOLS CREATED BY
CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Schwertner
Sponsor: Miller, Rick
SB 955 amends the Education Code to allow a public senior college or university to operate an
open-enrollment charter school in any Texas county. The bill requires the commissioner of
education, in evaluating an application by a public senior college or university to operate an openenrollment charter school in any county other than the county which the college or university has
a campus, to consider the location of existing open-enrollment charter schools, as appropriate, to
avoid duplication of services and the need of the community in the area in which the applicant
proposes to operate the charter school.
The bill specifies that the provisions of this bill apply to a new charter school application pending
on or submitted on or after the bill’s effective date. It also authorizes a public senior college or
university that holds a charter granted before the bill’s effective date to operate a charter school
at a location in any Texas county but only after the college or university has received the
commissioner’s approval if the college or university seeks to operate an additional campus and
the commissioner’s approval of the expansion is required.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 12.152 of the Texas Education Code
June 16, 2015
None
68
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1004
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
COURSES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED JOINTLY BY CERTAIN PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGES AND
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Author: Bettencourt
Sponsor: Thompson, Senfronia
SB 1004 amends the Education Code to authorize a public community college with a service area
located in a county with a population of more than three million or in a county adjacent to a
county with a population of more than three million to:


Enter into an articulation agreement with any school district located in a county with a
population of more than three million for the provision of a dropout recovery program for
certain students on the public junior college campus; and
Enter into an agreement with each school district located in a county with a population of
more than three million to offer one or more courses for joint high school and community
college credit. The bill authorizes a student enrolled in such a school district to enroll in a
course at any community college that has entered into an agreement with the district to
offer the course.
The bill exempts a student from the statutory prohibition of enrolling in more than three courses
for joint credit at a junior college if the junior college does not have a service area that includes
the student’s high school. [Note: this provision was repealed by both HB 505 and HB 2812].
Currently, before any course may be offered by a public junior college within the service area of
another operating public junior college, it must be established that the second public junior
college is not capable of or is unable to offer the course. SB 1004 specifies that this provision does
not apply to a course offered by a public junior college with a service area located in a county
with a population of more than three million.
These provisions apply beginning with the 2016 spring semester.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 29.402(a-1), 130.008(g), 130.086(d-1), and 130.090(a-1) to
the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
69
SB 1455
MODIFYING OR ELIMINATING CERTAIN REQUIRED REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
PREPARED BY STATE AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Elkins
SB 1455 streamlines agency reporting requirements by repealing obsolete or duplicative reporting
requirements, changing the frequency of some reports, and redirecting some reports to relevant
recipients. The bill repeals the P-16 College Readiness and Success Strategic Action Plan, which
removes a reporting requirement by the Coordinating Board.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 32.034(e), 39.263(c), 51.752(h), 61.0762(a), 88.526(a) of
the Texas Education Code
Amends Sections 72.084, 531.02111(e), 531.02112(c), 531.055(a), 614.072(f),
772.009(g), 2054.102(a), 2056.002(d), 2056.009(b), 2165.055, 2165.1061(h),
2166.101(d), 2166.102(b), 2166.103(b), 2205.041 of the Texas Government
Code
Adds Sections 772.009(g-1), 2054.102(a-1) (a-2) (a-3) and (a-4) to the Texas
Government Code
Repeals Sections 51.752(g), 61.0761 and 109.75(c) of the Texas Education
Code
Repeals Sections 761.005 and 2166.409 of the Texas Government Code
Repeals Section 372.004 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and Section
162.501(c) of the Texas Tax Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
70
STUDENT INFORMATION
HB 1807
REQUIRING THE COORDINATING BOARD TO MAINTAIN AN INVENTORY OF
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH
INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Author: Naishtat
Sponsor: Zaffirini
HB 1807 requires the Coordinating Board to maintain and post an inventory of postsecondary
education services provided by institutions of higher education for persons with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to maintain an inventory of all postsecondary educational
programs and services provided by institutions to individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. It also requires that the Coordinating Board:



Post the inventory in an easily identifiable and accessible location on its website;
Submit the inventory to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for inclusion in its transition
and employment guide; and
Update the inventory at least once every two years.
HB 1807 also requires institutions to report all programs and services to the Coordinating Board
at times prescribed by the board, and requires the Texas Education Agency to post the inventory
in its transition and employment guide.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 61.0663 to the Texas Education Code
Amends Section 29.0112(b) of the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
71
HB 4046
CONCERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT EDUCATION AND ADMISSION RECORDS AT
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FUNDED WHOLLY OR PARTLY BY STATE REVENUE
Author: Alvarado
Sponsor: Ellis
HB 4046 requires student records of applicants be treated as though the student were enrolled
and would be covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The bill
provides certain exceptions for those covered under FERPA.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 552.114 of the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 37
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
REQUIRING THE COORDINATING BOARD TO COLLECT AND STUDY DATA ON THE
PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AT
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Naishtat
SB 37 amends the Texas Education Code to require the Coordinating Board to:

Collect data and conduct an ongoing study of data regarding participation in
undergraduate and graduate education at public institutions of higher education by
persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities;

Study factors affecting participation by the target population in public higher education;

Conduct an ongoing study of recruitment of the target population by public institutions
of higher education. The board is required to submit a report on the results of the study
conducted under this subsection and any recommendations for legislative not later than
November 1 of each even-numbered year; and

Adopt rules as needed to implement the study in a manner that ensures compliance with
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and any related federal laws.
The bill requires institutions of public higher education to cooperate in the submission of data
requested by the Coordinating Board.
72
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 61.0664 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 1213
Yes
Yes
Academic Quality and Workforce
CREATING AN OFFENSE FOR THE REIDENTIFICATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS THE
SUBJECT OF DEIDENTIFIED INFORMATION
Author: Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Oliveira
SB 1213 provides definitions for deidentified information and personal identifying information. It
would prohibit: 1) reidentifying of individual data, and 2) releasing information the person knows
was reidentified.
The bill establishes that it is a defense to a civil action or prosecution if the person was
reidentifying the covered information for the purpose of a study or other scholarly research,
evaluation or testing of software. Any offense under this statute is a Class A misdemeanor.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Chapter 506 to the Texas Business and Commerce Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 1624
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
REQUIREMENT THAT CERTAIN ENTERING STUDENTS AT A GENERAL ACADEMIC TEACHING
INSTITUTION RECEIVE INFORMATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE
PREVENTION SERVICES
Author: Rodríguez
Sponsor: Marquez
SB 1624 amends the Education Code to require general academic teaching institutions to provide
entering full-time students, information about available mental health and suicide prevention
services, early warning signs, and appropriate intervention for a person who may be considering
suicide. The information may be provided through a live presentation or a format that allows for
student interaction such as an online program or video. The bill’s provisions apply beginning with
the 2016 fall semester.
73
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 51.9194 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1714
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC INFORMATION BY A PUBLIC
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Howard
SB 1714 allows universities to request a signed consent before releasing student academic
information with each student application for transfer admissions for the purpose of reverse
transfer. In addition, the bill allows an institution of higher education to require signed consent
for each student-initiated request for a transcript. Student information may be released by the
institution through the National Student Clearinghouse or other national electronic data exchange
platform that meets accepted standards, conventions, and practices.
The bill also requires that students who have accumulated at least 66 semester credit hours and
who have not submitted a consent form be sent an email notification from their institution
requesting authorization to release academic course, grade, and credit information to each twoyear college previously attended or to a reverse transfer data sharing platform. Student
information will be sent upon receipt of student consent once the student has completed a
semester. Only students providing consent for release of student information either at the time of
making a transfer application to a university or by initiating a request for a transcript, will have
their student information shared. The lower-division institution will review the information and
determine if the student has enough credits for the award of an associate degree.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Sections 51.9715, 61.833 (c-1), (e) and (f) to the Texas Education Code
Amends Section 61.833 (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Texas Education Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
74
TUITION
HB 2396
ELIMINATING REQUIREMENTS THAT CERTAIN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION SET ASIDE PORTIONS OF TUITION FOR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
FOR PHYSICIANS AND STATE ATTORNEYS
Author: Howard
Sponsor: Seliger
HB 2396 repeals the medical school tuition set-aside used to fund the Physician Education Loan
Repayment Program and the law school tuition set aside used to fund the Office of Attorney
General’s Loan Repayment Program (OAGLRP) for certain attorneys employed by that office.
The bill limits the funding for the OAGLRP to gifts, grants, and donations, legislative
appropriations, and money budgeted for the program by the Office of the Attorney General from
appropriations made to that office.
The changes made by this law apply with tuition charged for the 2015 fall semester.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 61.5391(a), 61.9730 and 61.9732 of the Texas Education
Code
Repeals Sections 61.539 and 61.9731 of the Texas Education Code
June 20, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Financial Services
75
VETERAN’S BENEFITS
HB 3404
CONDUCTING A STUDY ON PROVIDING CARE TO VETERANS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER
Author: Thompson, Senfronia
Sponsor: Lucio, Jr.
HB 3404 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study on the benefits
of providing integrated care to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. To conduct the study,
the Health and Human Services Commission may coordinate with a university and medical school
with expertise in behavioral health or post-traumatic stress disorder.
This act expires September 1, 2017.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
None
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 806
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
COLLEGE CREDIT FOR HEROES PROGRAM
Author: Campbell
Sponsor: King, Susan
SB 806 requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in consultation with the Coordinating
Board to report to the Legislature and the governor on the results of any grants awarded under
the College Credit for Heroes program, to include best practices for veterans and military service
members to achieve maximum academic or workforce education credit at institutions of higher
education for military experience, education, and training obtained during military service not
later than November 1 of each year. It also requires the TWC to report any measures needed to
facilitate the award of academic or workforce education credit by institutions of higher education
for military experience, education, and training obtained during military service and any other
related measures to facilitate veterans’ entry into the workforce.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 302.0031(b) of the Texas Labor Code
Adds Section 302.0031(g) to the Texas Labor Code
June 19, 2015
None
76
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 832
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
COORDINATING WORKGROUPS OF THE TEXAS COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR VETERANS
SERVICES
Author: Campbell
Sponsor: King, Susan
SB 832 establishes a mental health coordinating workgroup within the Texas Coordinating Council
for Veterans Services. Currently, health and mental health issues are combined into one of eight
coordinating workgroups.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 434.154(a) of the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Financial Services
77
WORKFORCE TRAINING INITIATIVES
HB 1606
CONTINUATION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE TEXAS WORKFORCE INVESTMENT COUNCIL,
INCLUDING ASSUMPTION OF THE DUTIES OF THE TEXAS SKILL STANDARDS BOARD
Author: Burkett
Sponsor: Hinojosa
HB 1606 amends the Government Code to continue the Texas Workforce Investment Council until
September 1, 2027. The bill abolishes the Texas Skill Standards Board and transfers the board's
powers and duties to the council.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 2308.005 of the Texas Government Code
Adds 2308.109 to the Texas Government Code
Repeals Subchapter H, Chapter 2308 of the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 1887
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EXCELLENCE IN THE RIO
GRANDE VALLEY
Author: Muñoz, Jr.
Sponsor: Hinojosa
HB 1887 establishes a regional center for public safety excellence to develop and provide
education and training for law enforcement personnel in the Rio Grande Valley, including
education and training leading toward an associate of applied science degree or certificate or
another public safety or law enforcement-related associated degree or certificate.
All training programs and courses offered by the regional center must satisfy requirements for the
regional center to operate as a commission-approved training provider.
South Texas College is required to administer the regional center in partnership with political
subdivisions and participating school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. The headquarters shall be
located at South Texas College in Pharr, Texas but may use the property and facilities at other
locations in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
78
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 130.093 to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 3062
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
PARTICIPATION OF AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE JOBS AND EDUCATION
FOR TEXANS GRANT PROGRAM
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: West
HB 3062 moves administration of the Jobs for Texans (JET) Grant Program from the Office of the
Comptroller to the Texas Workforce Commission no later than September 1, 2015. The advisory
board membership is decreased by one for a total of six members.
Certain independent school districts are eligible for JET grants beginning with the 2016-2017
academic year. A school district must enter into a partnership with a public community college or
public technical institute to promote career and technical education or offer dual credit courses
to the district’s students in order to be eligible for a grant.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 134.002(a), 134.003, 134.004, 134.006(a), (c), and (d), and
134.008 of the Texas Education Code
Adds Subdivision 134.001(1) and Section 134.007 to the Texas Education
Code
June 10, 2015
HB 1 appropriates $5 million in each fiscal year of the biennium
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 458
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
AEROSPACE AND AVIATION OFFICE OF THE TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND
TOURISM OFFICE AND THE AEROSPACE AND AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Author: Lucio, Jr.
Sponsor: Bonnen, Greg
SB 458 expands the charge of the Aerospace and Aviation Office of the Texas Economic
Development and Tourism Office (Office) within the Governor’s Office to prepare short-term and
long-term policy initiatives to promote the Texas aerospace and aviation activities and thereby
79
support economic development. Recommendations have to be submitted by December 1, 2016
and the Office would support and carry out the initiatives afterwards.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission, between
September 1, 2015 and December 1, 2016, to work in partnership with the Office in order to give
input on education and research matters, as well as job skills and staffing requirements.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 481.0066(d) and (e) of the Texas Government Code
Adds Sections 481.0066(d-1), (d-2) and (e-2) to the Texas Government
Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 1066
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE TEXAS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS
CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Clardy
SB 1066 amends the statute relating to the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (T-STEM) Challenge Scholarship Program so that the eligibility of institutions is
evaluated annually and with already available workforce and enrollment data, beginning with the
third year, instead of the second year, following implementation of the program at an institution.
Under provisions of the bill, beginning with the third year following implementation of the
scholarship program, an eligible institution must demonstrate to the board that at least 70 percent
of its T-STEM Challenge Scholarship recipients are employed or enrolled in courses leading to a
certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree in a STEM field, within twelve months of receiving
the scholarship.
The bill requires the Coordinating Board to evaluate the success of scholarship recipients within
twelve months of receipt of a scholarship, so that data would be available for the evaluating either
through the Coordinating Board’s accountability system or through the Texas Workforce
Commission.
The bill also changes the evaluation for continuing enrollment of all scholarship recipients to
include persistence at the lower-division level and continuation at the upper-division level.
80
Finally, SB 1066 requires the Coordinating Board to award scholarships according the amended
eligibility requirements starting with the 2015-2016 academic year (i.e. with the next new grant
cycle).
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 61.9794(b) of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 1351
Yes
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
TRANSFERRING TO THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION CERTAIN DUTIES OF THE
COMPTROLLER RELATED TO THE JOBS AND EDUCATION FOR TEXANS GRANT PROGRAM
Author: Menendez
Sponsor: Deshotel
SB 1351 moves administration of the Jobs for Texans (JET) Grant Program from the Office of the
Comptroller to the Texas Workforce Commission no later than September 1, 2015. The advisory
board membership is decreased by one for a total of six members. [Note: HB 3062 also makes
these changes.]
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 134.002(a), 134.003, 134.004(a), 134.006(a), (c) and (d),
and 134.008 of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 134.001(l) to the Texas Education Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
81
VETOED
SB 313
REVIEW AND MODIFICATION OF THE TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF THE
REQUIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Aycock
SB 313 would have required the State Board of Education (SBOE) to modify and narrow the
content and scope of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the foundation
curriculum. The bill would have also limited new instructional materials proclamations to 75
percent of the total amount available for the instructional materials allotment during that
biennium. The bill would have also required the SBOE to develop a chart that clearly indicated the
alignment of the college and career readiness standards and expectations with the TEKS.
SB 1655
COORDINATING BOARD FEES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF CERTIFICATES OF
AUTHORIZATION AND CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORITY ISSUED TO CERTAIN POSTSECONDARY
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Author: West
Sponsor: Morrison
SB 1655 would have allowed the Coordinating Board to establish fees for issuing, maintaining, or
revising a certificate of authority or authorization as well as maintaining a repository for student
transcripts from closed institutions operating under a certificate of authority or authorization.
82
MISCELLANOUS
HB 699
REQUIRING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A POLICY ON
CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT
Author: Nevárez
Sponsor: Uresti
HB 699 requires institutions of higher education to adopt a policy on campus sexual assault. The
policy must be approved by the institution’s governing board and must be made available to
students, faculty, and staff members by including the policy in the institution's student handbook
and personnel handbook; and creating and maintaining a web page on the institution's Internet
website dedicated solely to the policy. The bill further requires each entering freshman or
undergraduate transfer student to attend an orientation on the institution's campus sexual assault
policy before or during the first semester or term in which the student is enrolled at the institution.
Also, it requires each institution of higher education to review and revise, as necessary, each
biennium. The changes added by this bill apply beginning with the 2015 fall semester.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 51.9363 to the Texas Education Code
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
HB 796
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
PURCHASE OF CERTAIN INSURANCE COVERAGE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF RELATED RISK
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND THE COMPONENT
INSTITUTIONS OF THAT SYSTEM
Author: Geren
Sponsor: Eltife
HB 796 exempts the Texas State University System and a component institution of that system
from the prohibition in the Texas Workers' Compensation Act against a state agency purchasing
certain insurance coverage without the approval of the board of the State Office of Risk
Management. The bill instead requires the system and the component institutions to perform risk
management services related to insurance coverage purchased by the system or institution
without the board's approval.
83
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 412.011(c) and (e) of the Texas Labor Code
Adds Section 412.011(j) to the Texas Labor Code
June 16, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 1560
No
No
Internal Audit
INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR PROPERTY RECOVERED IN A SUIT BY A NEXT FRIEND OR
GUARDIAN AD LITEM ON BEHALF OF A MINOR OR INCAPACITATED PERSON
Author: Hernandez
Sponsor: Ellis
HB 1560 allows either the next of friend or the appointed guardian of a minor or incapacitated
person to invest any money recovered in a lawsuit in a higher education savings plan or prepaid
tuition program, pursuant to Chapter 54, Education Code.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 142.004(a) of the Texas Property Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 1982
No
No
General Counsel
TRANSFER OF CERTAIN STATE PROPERTY FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Author: Miller, Rick
Sponsor: Kolkhorst
HB 1982 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to donate and transfer certain real
property located in Fort Bend County to the University of Houston.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
None
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
General Counsel
84
HB 3748
COORDINATION OF EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AND INFORMATION
REGARDING STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY OR WERE FORMERLY PLACED IN FOSTER
CARE
Author: Farney
Sponsor: West
Currently, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has a position dedicated to working with school
districts regarding the needs of foster youth. This bill defines this position in statute and creates
a similar position at the Coordinating Board. Additionally, the bill requires each institution of
higher education, as is required of school districts, to designate an employee as a liaison to former
foster youth. The bill also requires the Coordinating Board and the Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the sharing of
information on students in foster care.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 25.007(b) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 51.9356 to the Texas Education Code
June 17, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 3750
No
No
College Readiness and Success
REQUIRING INTERIM STUDIES ON REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE STATE
Author: Simmons
Sponsor: Birdwell
HB 3750 directs an interim study on insurable state assets, incorporating modifications to existing
reporting processes and adding new data to be reported.
The bill directs the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to collect data regarding state assets through
collaboration with the Office of the Comptroller, State Auditor’s Office, State Office of Risk
Management (SORM), General Land Office (GLO), Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), and the
Coordinating Board.
The state assets to be accounted for in this report are land, facilities, and value of contents of
facilities. The Coordinating Board shall provide data for buildings at public institutions of higher
education. The LBB will report these data to SORM by a date specified by SORM. SORM will then
consolidate these data into a single data set accessible by the Legislature, all state agencies, and
all institutions of higher education by June 1, 2016 and by August 31, 2016 shall report findings
and recommendations to the Legislature.
85
Not later than November 30, 2015 the governor shall appoint members of a Senate and House
Select Committee on State Real Property Data Collection, Reporting, and Assessment to study the:

Benefits of a comprehensive database of all real property owned by the state

Potential financial loss to the state resulting from inadequate insurance

Efficiencies or cost savings that may be achieved by requiring the GLO to submit an annual
report to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Employee Retirement System and
the Teacher Retirement System.
The bill expires on September 1, 2017.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
None
June 19, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 11
No
Yes
Strategic Planning and Funding
CARRYING OF CONCEALED HANDGUNS ON THE CAMPUSES OF AND CERTAIN OTHER
LOCATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Birdwell
Sponsor: Fletcher
SB 11 allows licensed holders to carry a concealed handgun on the campus of an institution of
higher education, including a private or independent institution of higher education. Institutions
of higher education may not adopt any rules prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns
on the institution’s campus. However, an institution may establish rules, regulations, or other
provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities located
on the campus of the institution. In addition, the president or other chief executive officer of an
institution, after consulting with students, staff and faculty of the institution regarding the nature
of the student population, specific safety considerations, and the uniqueness of the campus
environment, shall establish reasonable rules regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by
license holders on the campus or premises of the institution of higher education. The president
or officer may not establish provisions that generally prohibit license holders from carrying
concealed handguns on the campus but may amend provisions as necessary for campus safety.
Institutions must give effective notice with respect to any portion of a premises on which license
holders may not carry.
Institutions must submit a report to the Legislature not later than September 1 of each evennumbered year describing the institution’s rules, regulations or other provision regarding the
86
carrying of concealed handguns on campus and explaining the reasons the for adopting such
provisions.
This act takes effect August 1, 2016. However, the act does not apply to public community colleges
before August 1, 2017.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 411.208(a), (b), and (d) of the Texas Government Code
Adds Sections 411.2031 and 411.208(f) to the Texas Government Code
Amends Sections 46.035(g) and (h) of the Texas Penal Code
Adds Sections 46.035(a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (l) and 46.035(f) (1-a) to the Texas
Penal Code
August 1, 2016
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 317
No
No
Academic Quality and Workforce
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Muñoz, Jr.
SB 317 codifies the name of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Chapter 79 and Section 79.01(2) of the Texas Education Code
May 23, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
87
EMPLOYEE ISSUES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
HB 426
ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS THROUGH THE ONLINE SYSTEM FOR
LISTING STATE AGENCY EMPLOYMENT OPENINGS MAINTAINED BY THE TEXAS WORKFORCE
COMMISSION
Author: Howard
Sponsor: Schwertner
HB 426 requires the online system for listing state agency employment openings maintained by
the Texas Workforce Commission to have a single online application through which applicants
may electronically send the application to multiple state agencies. State agencies are required to
accept an application for employment from the commission’s online system, however, agencies
are not prohibited from accepting applications in another manner. The bill exempts state
institutions of higher education and university systems.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Section 656.002 to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
HB 3337
No
No
Human Resources
TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR STATE AGENCY ADMINISTRATORS AND EMPLOYEES
Author: Clardy
Sponsor: Nelson
HB 3337 prohibits state agencies from reimbursing employees or administrators for tuition
expenses for training or education programs offered by institutions of higher education unless
the programs were successfully completed at an accredited public, private or independent
institution of higher education. A state agency is required to adopt rules that require the executive
head of the agency to authorize the tuition reimbursement payment before it can be made. State
agencies are also required to adopt a policy that provides clear and objective guidelines to govern
reimbursement for an administrator or employee who is enrolled in training for which the
administrator or employee seeks reimbursement and address tuition reimbursement for nontraditional training. State agencies are required to post the policy on the employment section of
the agency’s website.
88
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 656.043, 656.047, 656.101(1), and 656.102 of the Texas
Government Code
Adds Section 656.048(b) and 656.101(1-a) to the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
SB 374
No
No
Human Resources
REQUIRING STATE AGENCIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION
OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM, OR E-VERIFY
Author: Schwertner
Sponsor: Dale
SB 374 requires state agencies to register and participate in the E-verify program to verify
information of all new employees. The E-verify program means the electronic verification of
employment authorization program of the federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996 operated by a federal agency authorized to verify the employment
status of newly hired employees under the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
The Texas Workforce Commission is directed to adopt rules and prescribe forms to implement
the provisions of this bill.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Adds Chapter 673 to the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Human Resources
89
OPEN MEETINGS/OPEN RECORDS
SB 27
REQUIRING INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO BROADCAST TELEPHONE
CONFERENCE CALL MEETINGS REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OVER THE INTERNET
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Howard
SB 27 amends the Government Code to require institutions of higher education to broadcast
telephone conference call meetings required to be open to the public over the Internet as
prescribed by Section 551.128, Government Code.
The bill requires that such meetings be audible to the public at the location specified in the
meeting notice, and that they be recorded and made available to the public in an online archive
located on the Internet website of the institution of higher education holding the meeting.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 551.121(f) of the Texas Government Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead CB Division:
SB 308
No
No
General Counsel
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CAMPUS POLICE DEPARTMENTS AT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION
Author: Whitmire
Sponsor: Coleman
SB 308 establishes a campus police department of a private institution of higher education as a
law enforcement agency and a governmental body for the purposes of state public information
law only with respect to information relating solely to law enforcement activities.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Section 51.212(b) of the Texas Education Code
Adds Section 51.212(f) to the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
General Counsel
90
SB 685
APPLICABILITY OF OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION LAWS TO EDUCATION
RESEARCH CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
Author: Seliger
Sponsor: Raney
SB 685 establishes that an Education Center Research Advisory Board is a governmental body for
purposes of Government Code, Section 551 (Open Meetings) and Section 552 (Public Information
Act/Open Records). The bill specifies that the conducting of any advisory board meeting by
electronic means may be done to the extent and in the manner that is authorized by the Texas
Open Meetings Act.
Code Reference:
Effective Date:
Appropriation:
Amends Sections 1.006(b) and (e) of the Texas Education Code
September 1, 2015
None
CB Rulemaking:
CB Reporting Requirement:
Lead THECB Division:
No
No
Strategic Planning and Funding
91
LEGISLATION BY BILL NUMBER
HOUSE BILL
PAGE NUMBER
HB 7...............................................................
HB 18.........................................................
HB 100.......................................................
38
HB 2472.......................................................................
61
HB 2568.......................................................
40
HB 2621.......................................................................
58
36
HB 382.......................................................................
46
HB 426....................................................
69
8886
HB 495.......................................................................
76,2777
HB 505................................................................6352
HB 2628................................................................ 31
HB 2812................................................................ 65
HB 2921.......................................................................
52
HB 3062.....................................................
79
HB 3078.......................................................................
20
HB 3337.....................................................
86
69
HB 3348.......................................................................
48
HB 658.......................................................................
87
76,4677
86
HB 671.......................................................................
73
52
76,5177
8334
79
52
HB 700.......................................................................
5487
34
HB 796....................................................
51
69
HB 530................................................................5334
HB 699....................................................
PAGE NUMBER
53
HB 177.....................................................................
32
HB 197.......................................................
HOUSE BILL
69
8373
28
87
86
HB 855................................................................
79
73
38,3677
59
76,
88
HB 3404............................................................... 76
HB 3748.....................................................
85
HB 3750...................................................
85
HB 3781.......................................................
27
HB 4046.......................................................
72
69
HB 909................................................................1979
52
73
86
69
HB 1000.......................................................................
28
34
76,3377
86
HB 1049................................................................
28
38,
59
87
52
76,4577
69
HB 1051....................................................... 38,4759
34
52
73
86
48
HB 1054....................................................... 76,2277
79
87
34
73
HB 1287.....................................................................
3773
87
52
69
57, 82
HB 1300................................................................
2428
79
73
34
86
90
69
48
HB 1431......................................................................
6359
79
38,
87
76, 77
86
69
48
84
28
52
76, 77
73
86
57,
82
1583................................................................
47
79
28
38,
59
34
52
76,
90
69
57, 77
82
1606................................................
78
38, 59
87
34
52
73
86
90
HB 1560................................................
HB
HB
HB 1613......................................................................
6428
87
76, 77
73
48
7128
79
73
38, 59
52
38,
59
78
1887................................................
79
34
73
57, 82
48
1982................................................
8473
28
87
90
48
1992......................................................................
1959
28
73
38,
69
57, 82
2205......................................................................
24
79
38, 82
59
73
86
90
69
57,
48
48
2349....................................................... 76,6477
73
86
90
7528
2396.................................................
52
76, 77
57,
82
57, 82
38, 59
34
52
90
48
90
87
34
73
48
HB 1807.................................................
HB
HB
HB
HB
HB
HB
73
87
57, 82
92
LEGISLATION BY BILL NUMBER
SENATE BILL
PAGE NUMBER
SB 11.......................................................................
86
SB 18..........................................................
28
SB 24.........................................................
58
SB 27............................................................. 90
SB 37..........................................................
72
SB 42..........................................................
SB 44.............................................................
SB 149............................................................
SB 239............................................................
SB 295.............................................................
SB 308..........................................................
SB 313.....................................................
SB 317..........................................................
SB 374.....................................................
SB 386......................................................
SB 453.....................................................
SB 458.....................................................
SB 495..........................................................
SB 596.......................................................
SB 632.....................................................
SB 685.....................................................
SB 686.....................................................
SB 806.....................................................
SB 832.....................................................
SB 907.......................................................
SB 947..........................................................
SB 955.........................................................
59
34
66
55
29
90
82
87
89
48
68
79
SENATE BILL
PAGE NUMBER
SB 1004...................................................
SB 1066.........................................................
SB 1189...................................................
SB 1191...................................................
SB 1213...................................................
SB 1309...................................................
SB 1351...................................................
SB 1455..................................................
SB 1466..........................................................
SB 1470...................................................
SB 1543...................................................
SB 1624..........................................................
SB 1655...................................................
SB 1714...................................................
SB 1750...................................................
SB 1776...................................................
SB 2031.........................................................
69
80
50
43
73
26
81
70
30
21
38
73
82
74
57
22
39
49
52
34
91
56
76
77
59
56
68
93
LEGISLATION BY AUTHOR
HOUSE BILLS
PAGE
Alvarado.................................................................................................................................................................72
Aycock.................................................................................................................................................................
61, 64
Burkett................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Canales................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Capriglione.................................................................................................................................................................
24, 63
Clardy.................................................................................................................................................................
22, 31, 47, 48, 51, 79, 88
Crownover.................................................................................................................................................................
24, 27
Darby..............................................................................................................................................................................
20, 53
Farney................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Geren................................................................................................................................................................. 83
Giddings.................................................................................................................................................................s54
Guillen................................................................................................................................................................. 64
Hernandez.................................................................................................................................................................
53, 84
Howard.................................................................................................................................................................
27, 75, 88
Miller, Rick.................................................................................................................................................................
84
Morrison.................................................................................................................................................................51
Muñoz, Jr..................................................................................................................................................................
78
Naishtat................................................................................................................................................................. 71
Nevárez................................................................................................................................................................. 83
Paul.......................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Phillips...........................................................................................................................................................................
19
Price.................................................................................................................................................................
36
Raney.................................................................................................................................................................
58
Rodriguez, Eddie.......................................................................................................................................................
45, 63
Sanford................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Simmons.................................................................................................................................................................
37, 85
Springer................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Thompson, Senfronia..........................................................................................................................................
76
Wray.................................................................................................................................................................
47
Zedler.................................................................................................................................................................
32
Zerwas..........................................................................................................................................................................
19, 33, 38, 40, 46,
94
LEGISLATION BY AUTHOR
SENATE BILLS
PAGE
Bettencourt.................................................................................................................................................................69
Birdwell.................................................................................................................................................................
86
Campbell.................................................................................................................................................................
76, 77
Estes.................................................................................................................................................................
52
Fraser.................................................................................................................................................................
34
Hinojosa................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Kolkhorst................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Lucio, Jr.................................................................................................................................................................. 79
Menendez.................................................................................................................................................................
22, 26, 81
Nelson.................................................................................................................................................................
Perry.................................................................................................................................................................
28
38, 59
Rodriguez................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Schwertner.................................................................................................................................................................
29, 55, 68, 89
Seliger.................................................................................................................................................................
43, 50, 56, 66, 68, 82, 91
Taylor, Van.................................................................................................................................................................s
48
Watson.................................................................................................................................................................
21, 30, 39, 49
West..........................................................................................................................................................................
57, 82
Whitmire.......................................................................................................................................................
90
Zaffirini.................................................................................................................................................................
34, 56, 58, 59, 70, 72, 74, 80, 90
95
LEGISLATION BY SPONSOR
HOUSE BILLS
PAGE
Bettencourt........................................................................................................................................................... 32
Birdwell.................................................................................................................................................................47, 85
Burton.................................................................................................................................................................
37
Ellis...........................................................................................................................................................................
72, 84
Eltife.................................................................................................................................................................
48, 83
Estes.......................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Garcia.................................................................................................................................................................
31
Hinojosa.................................................................................................................................................................
27, 78
Kolkhorst.................................................................................................................................................................
46, 51, 64, 84
Lucio, Jr..................................................................................................................................................................s
46, 76
Nelson................................................................................................................................................................
36, 53, 88
Nichols.................................................................................................................................................................
Perry.................................................................................................................................................................
51
61, 64
Rodríguez................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Schwertner.................................................................................................................................................................
58, 88
Seliger.................................................................................................................................................................
19, 20, 24, 33, 40, 54, 63, 75
Taylor, Larry.................................................................................................................................................................
52
Taylor, Van....................................................................................................................................................................
36, 65
Uresti.................................................................................................................................................................
83
Watson.................................................................................................................................................................
19, 61,
27, 64
38
53, 79, 85
West..................................................................................................................................................................
Zaffirini.................................................................................................................................................................
22, 58,
47, 88
71
96
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Aycock.................................................................................................................................................................
82
Bonnen, Greg................................................................................................................................................................
79
Button.................................................................................................................................................................
34
Clardy.................................................................................................................................................................
30, 56, 68, 80
Coleman..................................................................................................................................................
90
Crownover................................................................................................................................................................
43, 52
Dale.................................................................................................................................................................
89
Deshotel.................................................................................................................................................................
26, 81
Elkins....................................................................................................................................................................
70
Fletcher.................................................................................................................................................................
86
Frank.................................................................................................................................................................
38
Frullo.................................................................................................................................................................
59
Guillen................................................................................................................................................................. 22, 29
Howard..........................................................................................................................................................................
34, 39, 56, 74, 90
Huberty.................................................................................................................................................................
66
King, Susan.................................................................................................................................................................
76, 77
Marquez.................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Miller, Doug................................................................................................................................................................
49
Miller, Rick.................................................................................................................................................................68
Morrison................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Muñoz, Jr.................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Murphy.................................................................................................................................................................
57
Naishtat.................................................................................................................................................................
72
Oliveira.................................................................................................................................................................
73
Raney...........................................................................................................................................................
21, 91
Sheffield................................................................................................................................................................. 59
Thompson, Senfronia..................................................................................................................................................
69
Villalba..................................................................................................................................................................s 48
Zerwas...........................................................................................................................................................................
69
28, 50, 55, 58
97
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
P.O. BOX 12788
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711
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This document is available on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
website: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/LegislativeIssues