The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes amendments to Chapter 15, Subchapter C, §15.43, concerning the eligibility criteria to receive distributions from the National Research University Fund. Specifically, the amendments will clarify: (a) in rule §15.43(b)(3)(C)(ii), a minimum 75th percentile score for the SAT effective with the fall 2017 semester, based on the concordance table for scores prior to and since fall 2017, as provided by the College Board (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/educators/highered/scoring/concordance); (b) in rule §15.43(b)(3)(E)(i), corrected names for the academies that provide awards of national and international distinction to faculty; and (c) in rule §15.43(b)(3)(E)(ii), corrected names for faculty awards of distinction.

Dr. Rex C. Peebles, Assistant commissioner for Academic Quality and Workforce, 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. Peebles 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 clarification of eligibility criteria for the National Research University Fund. 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 small businesses, micro businesses, and rural communities.

Government Growth Impact Statement

(1) the rules will not create or eliminate a government program;

(2) implementation of the rules will not require the creation or elimination of employee positions;

(3) implementation of the rules will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency;

(4) the rules will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency;

(5) the rules will not create a new rule;

(6) the rules will not limit an existing rule;

(7) the rules will not change the number of individuals subject to the rule; and

(8) the rules will have no effect on the state's economy.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted by mail to Rex C. Peebles, Assistant Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas, 78711 or via email at AQWComments@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, Chapter 62, Subchapter G, §62.146, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to prescribe standard methods of reporting information for the purpose of determining the eligibility of institutions for the National Research University Fund.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter G, National Research University Fund.