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.