MMA H.B. 3125 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
H.B. 3125
By: Davila
4-2-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND

Over the past several years, students at universities have strongly
advocated for a voice in the selection process of food service providers.
Currently, there is no effective, nor consistent means for students at
state universities to offer input in a similar manner or on a continuing
basis. Because students are often a captive market, it is imperative that
students have a method to voice their consumer concerns. 

PURPOSE

H.B. 3125 ensures that students have input in the process of selecting and
extending the contracts of food service providers at state universities.   

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 Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding
Section 51.945 to read as follows: 
 Sec. 51.945.  STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SELECTION OF FOOD SERVICE
CONTRACTS.  (a) Directs institutions of higher education to develop and
implement policies that provide the students with an opportunity to appear
before any entity selecting a food service provider for the purpose of
discussing performance of a provider and their recommendations for
selection or retention. 
 (b) Requires a food service provider to hold periodic meetings to provide
students at an institution with an opportunity to discuss performance of
the provider. 
 (c)  Defines "food service provider," "governing board," and "institution
of higher education." 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.  Applies only to contracts
entered into on or after the effective date of this Act.  Allows for
current contracts to remain in effect under the previous law. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.