SRC-DPW H.B. 2806 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2806
76R13861 JSA-DBy: Garcia (West)
Education
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The University of North Texas (university), which is located in Denton, has
a student population of more than 25,000. A number of students who enter
the university are not prepared for college, which jeopardizes their
chances for academic success. The campus and community have expressed
interest in developing a mentoring program to target this group. H.B. 2806
authorizes the board of regents of the university to establish a mentoring
program to provide mentoring, tutoring, and other resources to students at
all levels of the educational system in the Denton area. It further
requires the board to establish a program of continuing study and
evaluation of mentoring activities and research and to prepare a report
relating to the operation of the program. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2806 establishes a mentoring program at the University of
North Texas. 

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 105C, Education Code, by adding Section 105.51,
as follows:  

Sec. 105.51. MENTORING PROGRAM. Authorizes the board of regents (board) of
the University of North Texas (university) to establish a mentoring program
at the university, which may consist of providing mentoring, tutoring, and
other resources to students at all levels of the educational system to
assist students with respect to certain goals. Authorizes the program to
recruit, train, coordinate, and support mentors and tutors, and to provide
other resources, to a certain population of students as defined by Section
29.081 (Compensatory and Accelerated Instruction), Education Code, or who
are otherwise in need of services to assist them in attaining certain
goals. Requires the board to establish in connection with the program a
continuing study and evaluation of mentoring activities and research into
the best practices and methods of mentoring. Requires the board to prepare
a report relating to the operation of the program no later than January 1,
2001. Requires the report to include certain information. Authorizes the
board to use available institutional funds, as defined by Section 51.009
(Defining and Accounting for Certain Income), Education Code, and to
solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private
source to support the program.  

SECTION 2. Specifies that this Act does not make an appropriation or
require the board to establish a program under Section 105.51, Education
Code, as added by this Act, unless money is specifically appropriated for
that purpose.  

SECTION 3.Emergency clause. 
  Effective date: upon passage.