JLM S.B. 297 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC EDUCATION
S.B. 297
By: Bivins (Junell)
5-1-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, the financing of the $30 per student public school technology
allotment has been shifted from the Foundation School Program to the
Textbook Fund. The Textbook Fund consists of revenues transferred from the
Available School fund and covers the costs of textbooks used by school
districts every year.  

PURPOSE

S.B. 297 repeals the provision allowing additional Available School Fund
revenue to be used to increase the technology allotment clarifying the
state law on the allocation of these funds. 

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 Section 31.021(b), Education Code, to require the State
Board of     Education to determine the amount of the available school
fund to set aside for the   state textbook fund based on a requirement to
provide an allotment to be     distributed to each district equal to $30
per student in average daily attendance, or   a greater amount for any
year provided by appropriation, rather than as determined   under
Subsection (c).               

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 31.021(c), Education Code (State Textbook
Fund).

SECTION 3. (a) Provides that if this Act receives votes required by
Section 39, Article III, Texas   Constitution, for an effective date
before the 91st day after the last day of the   legislative session, this
Act takes effect immediately, and applies beginning with   the 1996-1997
school year. Otherwise this Act takes effect September 1, 1997,   and
applies beginning with the 1997-1998 school year.
                                                                           
SECTION 4. Emergency clause.