Bill

HB 61

84(R) - 2015
House Higher Education
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Higher Education
Higher Education

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Ruth Jones McClendon

Co-Author(s)

Rafael Anchia
Dennis Bonnen
Ana Hernandez
Ed Thompson
Hubert Vo
Gene Wu

Bill Caption

Relating to a single common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education in this state.

Fiscal Notes

There is no significant fiscal implication to the State or local government.

Bill Analysis

HB 61 would require that each institution adopt a core curriculum of at least 42 semester credit hours and be consistent with the single common course numbering system approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (Board), which will be approved by June 1, 2016.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill abridges the principle of limited government by implementing a mandate for all higher education institutions. This would violate articulation agreements between individual community colleges and individual universities where they decide what courses are acceptable to count as credit when a student transfers. A blanket numbering system may lead to students taking less than rigorous courses at a junior college and leave them unprepared when they transfer to a university. For these reasons, we oppose HB 61.