SRC-MWN S.B. 263 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 263
By: Ogden
Education
5/30/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Many institutions of higher education lack policies or procedures regarding
student travel. S.B. 263 requires the governing board of each institution
of higher education, including community colleges, to adopt a policy
regulating travel that is undertaken by one or more students presently
enrolled at the institution to reach an activity or event that is located
more than twenty-five miles from the institution, or organized and
sponsored by the institution, funded by the institution, uses a vehicle
owned or leased by the institution, and required by a student organization
registered at the institution. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 51Z, Education Code, by adding Section 51.949, as
follows: 

Sec. 51.949. POLICY REGULATING STUDENT TRAVEL. Defines "governing board"
and "institution of higher education." Requires each governing board of an
institution of higher education to adopt a policy regulating student travel
that falls within certain parameters. Requires the governing board to seek
advice and comment from the faculty and students of the institution before
adopting any policy under this section. Requires the policy to contain
provisions that address different modes of travel likely to be used by
students; and certain safety issues related to student travel. Requires the
governing board to make the policy available to the public by publishing
the policy in the institution's catalog and by any other method the board
considers appropriate. Requires the governing board to file a copy of the
policy adopted under this section, and any amendments to that policy, with
the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Provides that no claim or
cause of action against an institution beyond a claim or cause authorized
by Chapter 101 (Tort Claims), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is created
by this section. 

SECTION. 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to student travel
beginning August 1, 2002. Requires each governing board of an institution
of higher education to adopt the student travel policy required by Section
51.949, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1,
2002, and to file a copy of the policy with the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, not later than August 1, 2002.  

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.