SRC-AAA S.B. 297 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 297
By: Ratliff
Finance
1-28-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

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.  Litigation  allowing additional Available School
Fund revenue to be used to increase the technology allotment is currently
pending in court.  This bill 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. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 297 relates to the calculation of the state textbook
fund. 

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 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.