HBA-KDB H.B. 3028 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3028
By: Dunnam
Higher Education
4/1/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND 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. House Bill
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

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board in SECTION 1 (Section 61.088, Education Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3028 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board (board) to conduct an annual state science and
engineering fair (state fair) as part of an outreach program for middle
school, junior high school, and high school students.  The bill requires
the board to coordinate the state fair with local and regional science and
engineering fairs held in this state and authorizes the board to contract
with public or private entities to conduct the state fair.  The board is
required to adopt rules for the organization and operation of the state
fair and to select the participants in the state fair.  The bill authorizes
the board to use general revenue funds appropriated for the state fair and
any gifts, grants, and donations to conduct the state fair.   The bill
prohibits the amount of general revenue funds appropriated for the state
fair 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.
The bill sets forth provisions relating to conducting the first state fair. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.