The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes amendments to §15.10, pertaining to the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP). The proposed amendment to this section explicitly allows matches for donations restricted to undergraduate research and disallows matches for donations restricted to undergraduate financial aid grants.

Dr. Julie Eklund, Interim Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Planning and Funding, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will not be a fiscal impact to the state.

Dr. Eklund has determined that there will be no impact on the public. 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 proposed amendments may be submitted to Mr. David Young, Senior Director, Special Projects, Strategic Planning and Funding, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, david.young@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §62.123. Section 62.124 provides the coordinating board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP).

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §62.123, Matching Grants.