Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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EDUCATION/Higher
77 th Texas Legislature
Texas Engineering and Technical Consortium - S.B. 353
by Senator Ellis, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative McCall
According to a 1998 report of the Governor’s Science and Technology Council, Texas currently has
between 26,000 and 34,000 technology-related job vacancies.
Establishes the Texas Engineering and Technical Consortium to increase:
• the number of engineering and computer science graduates from private and public Texas
institutions of higher education; and
• collaborative efforts between universities, engineering and computer science departments, and
private technology companies.
Higher Education Opportunity - S.B. 573
by Senator Bivins, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative Rangel
During the last interim, the Special Commission on 21 st Century Colleges and Universities recommended a
statewide advertising campaign to attract more students to attend institutions of higher education.
Authorizes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (board) to establish a statewide public
awareness campaign promoting the value, types of institutions and degree programs, financial aid, and
preparation for higher education.
Requires the campaign to be targeted to elementary and secondary students, emphasizing those student
groups that have been under-represented in higher education.
Directs the board to cooperate with other agencies.
Authorizes the board to use any available revenue and to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations.
Regulation of Private Youth Camps - S.B. 575
by Senator Staples
House Sponsor: Representative Sadler
Exempts a facility or program operated by or on the campus of public, private, and independent universities
from regulation under the youth camp section of the Health and Safety Code.
Senate Research Center 80