SRC-JJJ H.B. 3263 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3263 By: Uher (Ogden) Education 5/7/1999 Engrossed DIGEST The Acts of the 46th Legislature created Washington County Junior College, now known as Blinn Junior College, the oldest state-supported junior college in the state, which is owned by the county and governed by a seven-member board. Only two junior colleges in Texas fall into the category of electing a governing board of seven members, with four members elected from the respective commissioner precincts and three members elected at large. During the 61st Legislature, legislation was passed which authorized the board to pass a resolution and submit it to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board concerning the method of electing the governing board. H.B. 3263 would authorize the governing board of certain junior colleges to pass an order that the board members elected at-large be elected instead by position. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3263 establishes provisions regarding the election of the governing board of certain junior college districts. 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 130E, Education Code, by adding Section 130.0823, as follows: Sec. 130.0823. ELECTION BY POSITION IN CERTAIN DISTRICTS. Provides that this section applies to a junior college that elects a seven-member governing board, with four members elected from respective commissioner precincts and three members elected at large. Authorizes the governing board to order that the board members elected at large be elected instead by position. Requires the order to be entered not later than the 120th day before the first election of a trustee by position. Authorizes the board to provide for trustees holding office on the date of the initial election of trustees by position to serve the remainder of their terms and to represent a position for that term. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.