SRC-JJJ S.B. 947 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 947 76R5829 KEL-DBy: Barrientos Higher Education 3/18/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the student union fee at the University of Texas at Austin is insufficient to meet the operation and maintenance needs of the facility. S.B. 947 would approve up to a 10 percent fee increase each semester not to exceed a maximum of $33 each full semester and $16.50 for each summer session, with a majority vote of the students. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 947 establishes the authority of the board of regents of the University of Texas System to increase the student union fee at the University of Texas at Austin. 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 54.530(a), Education Code, to prohibit a compulsory fee from exceeding $33 for each regular session and $16.50 for each term of each summer session, unless the board of regents of the University of Texas System (board) increases the amount as provided by this subsection. Requires the money collected from the fees to be deposited into the Texas Union Fee Account. Authorizes the board to increase the amount of the fee, with the concurrence of the Student Fees Advisory Committee, by no more than 10 percent of the amount imposed in the preceding academic year. Authorizes the board to increase the amount of the fee to an amount that is no more than 10 percent of the amount imposed in the preceding academic year if theat increase is approved by a majority of the votes of students in a general election. Prohibits the board from increasing the fee to an amount that is more than $40 more for each regular semester and $20 for each term of each summer session. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999 fall semester. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.