SRC-AAA H.B. 107 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 107 By: Giddings (Ratliff) Finance 5-7-97 Engrossed DIGEST Last year, more than 20 percent of third graders failed the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills test in reading. Educators almost universally believe that if a child is not reading at grade-level by third grade, the child's chances of reaching his or her full potential and becoming a productive citizen is greatly diminished. Consequently, making sure that every child has an opportunity to read takes on an added urgency and must be a top priority. H.B. 107 creates a "Read to Succeed" license plate program, the proceeds from which will offer reading programs for students in kindergarten through grade three who read below their grade level. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 107 creates a "Read to Succeed" license plate program, the proceeds from which will offer reading programs for students in kindergarten through grade three who read below their grade level. 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 Chapter 502F, Transportation Code, by adding Section 502.292, as follows: Sec. 502.292. READ TO SUCCEED. Requires the Department of Transportation (department) to issue specially designed "Read to Succeed" license plates for passenger cars and trucks. Sets forth persons to whom the license plates will be available and the fee for the special plates. Requires the department to deposit fees in the "Read to Succeed" account. Authorizes the fee collected to be used only to defray the cost of administering this section. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding Subchapter J, as follows: SUBCHAPTER J. READ TO SUCCEED PROGRAM Sec. 29.351. PROGRAM REQUIRED. Requires the commissioner of education (commissioner) to establish the "Read to Succeed" program (program). Sec. 29.352. ELIGIBILITY; CONDITIONS. Sets forth the eligibility and conditions of the program. Sec. 29.353. ADMINISTRATION OF GRANTS. Requires a grant application to include certain information. Sets forth requirements for the commissioner. Sec. 29.354. ADVISORY BOARD. Sets forth the constituency of the program advisory board (board). Sets forth compensation requirements for the board. Sec. 29.355. READ TO SUCCEED ACCOUNT. Requires the comptroller to maintain a "Read to Succeed" account in the general revenue account. Sets forth composition and uses of the program's account. SECTION 3. Prohibits a grant from being made under Chapter 29J, Education Code before August 1, 1998. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.