BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1296
By: Coleman
04-04-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The University Center (UC) fee was authorized in 1987.  The fee was
implemented a year later.  It was established to generate operating
income and to address the problems of structural neglect at the
center.  The fee was capped at $15 per regular semester and $7.50
for summer sessions.


PURPOSE

H.B. 1296 raises the cap for the University Center fee at the
University of Houston to $35 per student for each regular semester
and $17.50 for each term of the summer session.  An increase of
more than 10 percent per year must be approved in a student
referendum or by the student government.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 54 E, Education Code, Section 54.526 to
read as follows:

     Sec. 54.526.  STUDENT FEES FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS:  THE
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-UNIVERSITY PARK.  Raises the cap for the UC
fee at UH to $35 per student for each regular semester and $17.50
per student for each term of the summer session. Also requires that
an increase of more than 10 percent per year be approved by a
majority vote of the students or student government.

Section 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date:  upon passage.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 1296 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
April 4, 1995.  

The following person testified in favor of the bill:
Ms. Julie Baumgarten.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 nays, 1 absent.