Honorable John Zerwas, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB382 by Canales (Relating to public junior college district branch campuses, including a requirement that the South Texas Community College District establish a branch campus in a certain location.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Education Code relating to public junior college district branch campuses, including requirement that the South Texas Community College District establish a branch campus in a certain location.
Based on information provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, it is assumed that there would be a cost to General Revenue from an increase in formula funding for South Texas College due to additional students enrolling at the new branch campus generating additional contact hours and success points for formula funding. The cost would not be seen until at least fiscal year 2018, as formula funding is provided to institutions based on student data prior to the biennium to be funded. However, based on information provided by South Texas College, this analysis assumes the increase in formula funding for additional students enrolling in classes at the new branch campus would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
Based on information provided by South Texas College, implementing the provisions of the bill would be a significant cost to the institution. Establishing and operating a new branch campus would require costs associated with land acquisition, design of a new facility, construction of the facility and infrastructure, technology, and ongoing instructional, academic support, and operating costs. The institution is unable to determine the exact cost of the campus without further study. Any additional costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill would be funded with institutional funds.