BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        S.B. 1508
                                                     By: Montford
                                                          Finance
                                                           5-5-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

The commissioner of education is not currently compensated at the
same level as other commissioners of other state agencies. In an
effort to bring the education commissioner's pay to a commensurate
level with the health and human services commissioner, Governor
George Bush has submitted an emergency proclamation urging the
legislature to consider increasing the compensation of the
commissioner of education.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1508 raises the salary of the commissioner of
education and pays certain expenses.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 1051, Article III, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature, 1993, the General Appropriations Act, by adding the
following section under appropriations to the Central Education
Agency:

     SALARY AND EXPENSES OF THE COMMISSIONER.  Provides that the
     salary of the commissioner of education is set at the annual
     rate of $156,014, notwithstanding provisions found elsewhere
     in this Act.  Provides that it is further provided that the
     State Board of Education is authorized and may pay relocation
     expenses for a new commissioner to relocate in Austin, Texas,
     in amount not to exceed $5,000.
     
     SECTION 2.     Emergency clause.
           Effective date:  upon passage.