The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §§1.116 - 1.120 concerning Employee Scholarships. Specifically the repeal is proposed to make administration of the program less cumbersome. An agency policy will replace the rules.

Ms. Lois Hollis, Senior Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for Business and Finance/Chief Operating Officer, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing these sections will be greater efficiency by administering the Employee Scholarship Program through an agency policy rather than through rule. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Hollis, Senior Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for Business and Finance/Chief Operating Officer, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6465 or lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The repeal is 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 repeal affects §§656.041 - 656.105 of the State Employees Training Act.