MMA H.B. 2053 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
H.B. 2053
By: Maxey
3-29-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

State appropriations to institutions of higher education have been
limited.  Institutions have had to subsist with current funding and
continue to request increases.  Areas such as faculty salaries and
financial aid for students are under-funded, jeopardizing the state's
ability to compete for world-class scholars and to position itself as an
attractive place for companies to relocate on the basis of a well-educated
workforce. 

PURPOSE

H.B. 2053 would proscribe the expenditure of state university funds for
private club memberships of university officials. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding
Section 51.010 to read as follows: 
Sec. 51.010. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN PRIVATE CLUB EXPENDITURES.
(a) Proscribes the use of any funds under the institution's control to:
 (1) purchase a membership in a private club or pay the dues, fees, or
other charges or assessments, including initiation fees, required for
membership or a special privilege, status or membership classification in
a private club; or 
 (2) reimburse an employee or officer of the institution for the cost of
membership, dues, fees, or other charges or assessments, including
initiation fees, for a private club or a special privilege, status or
membership classification, or for the cost of any service provided to an
employee or officer at a private club. 
 (b) Defines "private club."

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.