SRC-JRN H.B. 63 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 63
By: Kamel (Duncan)
Education
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In the 74th Legislature, the Texas A&M University System and the Texas
State University System were authorized to begin an off-campus debit card
program.  While the debit card program in place at the Texas A&M
University before the law went into effect allowed students to use a debit
card to purchase books, food, and other items on campus, some students
indicated an interest in the offcampus utilization of the debit card
system.    This bill authorizes the governing board of an institution of
higher education to establish a debit card program and permit off-campus
use of the debit card. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 63 authorizes the governing board of an institution of
higher education to establish a debit card program and permit off-campus
use of the debit card. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.940, Education Code, as follows:

 Sec. 51.940. STUDENT DEBIT CARDS.  Deletes a provision requiring this
section to apply only to an institution that is a component of the Texas
A&M University System or a component of the Texas State University System.
Authorizes the governing board of an institution of higher education to
establish a program to provide students enrolled at the institution with a
debit card.  Redesignates existing subsections.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.