MMA C.S.H.B. 3112 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
C.S.H.B. 3112
By: Rangel
4-11-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND 
Current statute prohibits deduction 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 for such things 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, deduction for payment of parking
permits is not authorized. 

The charge to employees for parking permits has increased in order to
cover costs of operations and maintenance of parking facilities.  Many
employees desire the option to pay for parking permits on an installment
basis through payroll deductions rather than one lump sum payment. 

PURPOSE
C.S.H.B. 3112 would authorize institutions of higher education to provide
for voluntary deduction from an employee's salary or wage payment for the
payment of parking fees or for the purchase of a parking permit. 

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 659, Government Code, by adding Subchapter J,
to read as follows: 
 SUBCHAPTER J. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF PARKING FEES AND PERMITS AT
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 
 Sec. 659.201. DEFINITION. Defines "institution of higher education."

 Sec. 659.202. DEDUCTION AUTHORIZED.  Authorizes an employee of an
institution to submit written authorization for a deduction from their
salary or wage payment each pay period for the payment of parking fees
charged by the institution or to purchase a parking permit.  States that
this deduction is voluntary. 

 Sec. 659.203. FORM AND MANNER.  Requires the appropriate financial
officer of the institution to prescribe the form and manner of deductions
under this subchapter. 

 Sec. 659.204. CHANGE; DURATION.  (a)  Permits an employee to change or
revoke the authorization with written notice to the financial officer of
the institution. 
(b) Deems authorization under this subchapter effective until the
financial officer receives written notice stating otherwise. 
 (c) Requires that the notice given under Subsection (a) be given in the
form and manner prescribed by the financial officer of the institution. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 3112 makes non-substantive language changes as recommended by
Legislative Council.