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result, textbooks can become outdated and factually incorrect.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.