MMA H.B. 2801 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
H.B. 2801
By: Seaman
4-9-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 
 
Current statute prohibits deductions from the compensation paid to an
officer or employee whose compensation is paid in full or in part from
state funds unless the deduction is authorized by law. Several statutory
provisions authorize payroll deductions, such as membership fees in state
employee organizations, employee contributions to Social Security,
purchase of savings bonds, and payment to a credit union for share or
deposit accounts.  However, there are no mechanisms by which an employee
of an institution of higher education can contribute through payroll
deductions to a university, fundraiser drives or fundraising foundation. 

PURPOSE

H.B. 2801 would allow an employee of an institution of higher education
(institution) the option of authorizing a deduction each pay period from
the employee's salary or wage payment for a charitable contribution to an
institution or a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the
programs of the institution. 

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 Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.941,
to read as follows: 
 Sec. 51.941.  PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS FOR SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS.  Provides that an employee of an
institution may authorize a payroll deduction to make a charitable
contribution to an institution or to a non-profit organization whose
purpose is to support the programs of an institution.  Requires that a
non-profit organization have an agreement as required by Section 2255.001,
Government Code. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.