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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 481
76R7178 JSA-DBy: Harris
Higher Education
3/9/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


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 pay for books and other
published library materials prior to delivery. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 481 authorizes the comptroller of public accounts to
issue a warrant from funds for the purchase of library materials by certain
institutions of higher education. 

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 books and
other published library materials as provided by Section 2155.386,
Government Code.  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.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Relating clause.

Amends the relating clause regarding the type of materials that may be
purchased by certain higher education institutions with constitutional
funds. 

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 62.021(a), Education Code, to include the purchase of books
or other published library materials among the items from which the
comptroller may issue a warrant.