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.