HBA-LJP S.B. 149 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 149 By: Carona Higher Education 3/5/2001 Committee Report (Amended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law governing the tuition equalization grant (TEG) program includes information that, as a result of prior legislative changes, may be unclear regarding the eligibility of private or independent institutions of higher education to participate in the TEG program. Senate Bill 149 updates language and statutory references to clarify TEG program requirements and eligibility. 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 Senate Bill 149 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to approve, for tuition equalization grants, only those private or independent colleges or universities that meet the same program standards and accreditation as public institutions of higher education. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001. EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS Committee Amendment No. 1 removes the receipt of a student application and enrollment report from the criteria used by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to certify the amount of a tuition equalization grant.