HBA-BSM H.B. 234 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 234
By: Hawley
Higher Education
7/25/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Generally, a person seeking to enter a public institution of higher
education as an undergraduate student is required to take the Texas
Academic Skills Program (TASP) test. Some colleges and universities located
in the vicinity of military installations have expressed a need and a
desire to enroll military personnel in their institutions, but found that
some of these potential students would not even attempt to enroll when they
find out they have to take the TASP test.  House Bill 234 exempts a student
serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States
from being required to take the TASP test or, as appropriate, the Stanford
Achievement Test. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 234 amends the Education Code to exempt a student serving on
active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States from
participating in the Texas Academic Skills Program.  The bill also exempts
deaf students serving in such a capacity from taking the Stanford
Achievement Test. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

May 24, 2001.  The Act applies beginning with the 2001 fall semester.