SRC-HRD S.B. 294 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 294 By: Sibley International Relations, Trade & Technology 2-7-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas state textbook adoption process keeps adopted books in classrooms for six to 10 years before new textbooks are adopted. As a result, textbooks can become outdated and factually incorrect. This bill would require the Texas Education Agency to develop a study project to analyze the costs and benefits of using computer networks, including the Internet, in public schools, and investigate using these networks to deliver updated supplements to school textbooks. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 294 requires the Texas Education Agency to develop a study to investigate the use of computer networks in public schools, including the use of such networks to deliver updated textbook supplements. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 32E, Education Code, by adding Section 32.037, as follows: Sec. 32.037. COMPUTER NETWORK STUDY PROJECT. Requires the Texas Education Agency (agency) to develop a study project to determine the costs and benefits of using computer networks, including the Internet, in public schools. Requires the commissioner of education to appoint an advisory committee composed of agency personnel, textbook publishers, educators, students, members of the legislature, and technology experts to outline the central issues to be studied. Requires those issues to include the possibility of delivering, through a computer network, updated supplements to textbooks adopted under Chapter 31. Sets forth requirements for the study. Requires the agency to report the results of the study project to the 76th Legislature not later than February 1, 1999. Provides that this section expires September 1, 1999. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.