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.