SRC-DPW S.B. 481 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 481
76R5434 JSA-DBy: Harris
Higher Education
3/3/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 62.021(a), Education Code, prohibits the comptroller
from using payment from the Higher Education Assistance Fund, Article VII,
Section 17, Texas Constitution, until goods are received, unless the
payment is for principal or interest on bonds or notes.  Many higher
education libraries are unable to prepay periodical subscriptions.  This
bill would allow higher education libraries to prepay subscriptions for a
period not to exceed one year. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 481 authorizes the comptroller of public accounts to
issue a warrant solely from funds for the purchase of periodical
subscriptions. 

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 62.021(a), Education Code, to prohibit the
comptroller of public accounts from issuing a warrant from funds, prior to
the delivery of goods or services,  except for the purchase of periodical
subscriptions for a period not to exceed one year. Sets forth the formula
under which the funds are allocated in the section to certain higher
education institutions, including Texas A&M University--Commerce, Texas A&M
University--Texarkana, and Rio Grande College, rather than East Texas State
University, East Texas State University at Texarkana, and Uvalde Center,
respectively. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.