SRC-JXG H.B. 3319 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3319 By: Cuellar (Bivins) Education 4/27/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law authorizes governing boards (boards) of public general academic institutions, health-related institutions, and technical colleges to construct educational and general space costing less than $300,000 and to undertake repair and renovation of these spaces when the cost is less than $600,000 without the oversight of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). H.B. 3319 authorizes the boards to undertake, without THECB oversight, projects involving new construction for which the total cost will be less than $1 million, or $2 million for repair and renovation projects. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3319 authorizes the governing boards of public general academic institutions, health-related institutions, and technical colleges to undertake construction projects costing certain amounts without the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. 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 61.058(a), Education Code, to require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to approve or disapprove all new construction and repair and rehabilitation of all buildings and facilities at institutions of higher education financed from any source provided that THECB's consideration and determination shall be limited to the purpose for which the new or remodeled buildings are to be used to assure conformity with approved space utilization standards and the institution's approved programs and role and mission if the cost of the project is no more than $2,000,000, rather than $600,000, but THECB may consider cost factors and the financial implications of the project to the state if the total cost is in excess of $2,000,000; the requirement of approval for new construction applies only to projects the total cost of which is in excess of $1,000,000, rather than $300,000; and other requirements, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.