The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §§5.41-5.49 concerning program development in public universities, health-related institutions, and two-year colleges and private and out-of-state public degree granting institutions (Criteria for Approval of New Master's Degree Programs). Proposals of new rules concerning substantially the same matters are contemporaneously published in this issue of the Texas Register. Specifically, the rules proposed for repeal cover a wide variety of topics. To provide better organization and to increase clarity, these rules are being reorganized into several new chapters being proposed contemporaneously in this issue of the Texas Register, except for §§5.370-5.376 regarding the Medical and Health Professional Recruitment Fund. These sections are being eliminated because the program was never implemented or funded.

Dr. Marshall A. Hill, Assistant Commissioner for Universities and Health-Related Institutions, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed repeal 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. Hill has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed repeal is in effect, the public benefit would be the improved organization and clarity of rules affecting public institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the repealed sections because the proposed new rules will not significantly alter the requirements included in the rules proposed for repeal. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed repeal of the rules may be submitted to Dr. Marshall A. Hill, Assistant Commissioner for Universities and Health-Related Institution, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711-2788, or by e-mail to Marshall.Hill@thecb.state.tx.us.

The repeal of the rules is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, which provides the Coordinating Board with general rule-making authority; §61.002, which establishes the Coordinating Board as an agency charged to provide leadership and coordination for the Texas higher education system; §61.051, which provides the Coordinating Board with authority to coordinate institutions of public higher education in promoting quality education; and §61.0651, which charges the Board to adopt and recommend management policies applicable to institutions of higher education in relation to management of human resources and physical plants.

Texas Education Code, §61.002; Texas Education Code, §61.051; and Texas Education Code, §61.0651.