(a) Nothing in this article shall abridge the authority of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to establish or operate colleges or of local boards of education to operate schools.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) of this Code section to the contrary:

(1) The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the State Board of Education, and local boards of education are encouraged and expected:

(A) To work continuously with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to develop and implement policies, programs, and practices that promote and advance the objectives of serving student needs, avoiding duplication of mission, using state resources efficiently, and expanding opportunities for postsecondary degree attainment in Georgia; and

(B) Consistent with the objectives stated in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, to enter into and amend existing agreements with the Technical College System of Georgia for awarding postsecondary course credits that are transferable between institutions of the university system, units of the technical college system, and the State Board of Education; and

(2) The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and the State Board of Education are encouraged and expected to promote and allow institutions of the university system and units of the technical college system to enter into and amend existing agreements:

(A) For awarding postsecondary course credits that are transferable between such institutions of the university system, units of the technical college system, and the State Board of Education; and

(B) That are consistent with the objectives stated in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of this subsection.