The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§1.116 - 1.120, concerning Employee Scholarships. It is the policy of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to encourage the professional development of employees through education and training under the State Employees Training Act, Government Code, Chapter 656, Subchapter C. This subchapter governs the eligibility of employees for participation in the program and the operation of the program. These programs are designed to increase the job potential of employees, provide financial assistance for the pursuit of higher education, and introduce new technology and educational methods into the workplace.

Dr. Glenda Barron, Associate Commissioner for Participation and Success, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Dr. Barron has also determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the section will be the increase for job potential of employees, provide financial assistance for the pursuit of higher education, and introduce new technology and educational methods into the workplace.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Glenda Barron, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6255, Glenda.Barron@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The new sections are proposed under the State Employees Training Act, Texas Government Code, §§656.041 - 656.105, which governs the eligibility of employees for participation in the program and the operation of the program.

The new sections affect the Texas Government Code, §§656.041 - 656.105.