Bill
    SB 1470
    
    
        84(R) - 2015    
    
    
        Senate Higher Education     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        Senate Higher Education     
    
    
    
            Higher Education
    
    
    
    
     
    
        Vote Recommendation
        
            
                Yes            
            
                - 
                    Positive                
- 
                    Neutral                
- 
                    Neutral                
- 
                    Neutral                
- 
                    Neutral                
 
     
    
            Author(s)
                    Kirk Watson
        
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
Bill Caption
        Relating to the establishment of state authorization reciprocity agreements for postsecondary distance learning courses.    
    
    
        
Fiscal Notes
        No significant fiscal implication to the State or local government. 
    
    
    
        
Bill Analysis
        SB 1470 would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to enter into a state authorization reciprocity agreement to allow both Texas public and private schools to offer distance education and online programs and courses from institutions located outside the state.  
    
    
        
        
Vote Recommendation Notes
        This bill affirms the principle of a free market, therefore we support this legislation. This increases educational opportunities for Texas higher education students by allowing them to shop for programs that meets their needs from other states and allowing schools to facilitate this without a costly and time consuming process.