SRC-CTC H.B. 3028 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3028 By: Dunnam (Sibley) Education 5/8/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Science and engineering fairs may promote an appreciation for and interest in science, mathematics, and engineering among middle school, junior high school, and high school students. Additionally, such fairs may promote workforce development in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering by providing students with an opportunity to interact with people involved in higher education and corporate institutions. H.B. 3028 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct an annual state science and engineering fair as part of an outreach program for middle school, junior high school, and high school students. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 1 (Section 61.088, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61C, Education Code, by adding Section 61.088, as follows: Sec. 61.088. STATE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIRS. Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (board) to conduct an annual state science and engineering fair as part of an outreach program for middle school, junior high school, and high school students for certain purposes. Authorizes the board to contract with public or private entities to conduct the state fair. Requires the board to coordinate the state fair with local and regional science and engineering fairs held in this state. Requires the board to adopt rules for the organization and operation of the state fair and to select the participants in the fair. Authorizes the board to use general revenue funds appropriated for that purpose and any gifts, grants, and donations to conduct the state fair. Prohibits the amount of general revenue funds appropriated for that purpose in a state fiscal year from exceeding $10,000 or the total amount of money received as gifts, grants, or donations, whichever amount is less. SECTION 2. Requires the board to conduct the first state science and engineering fair under Section 61.088, Education Code, as added by this Act, in 2002 at a time and date to be determined by the board, in coordination with the local and regional science and engineering fairs. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.