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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 263
77R2865 KEL-DBy: Ogden
Education
2/2/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, many institutions of higher education lack policies or
procedures regarding student travel. As proposed, S.B. 263 requires
governing boards of all institutions of higher education, including
community colleges, to adopt written policies regulating student travel
that is organized or sponsored by the institution or undertaken by more
than one student passenger to reach an activity more than five miles from
campus. 

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 written policy regulating
student travel that is organized or sponsored by the institution; or
undertaken by more than one student passenger to reach an activity located
more than five miles from the campus of the institution and organized or
sponsored by the institution. 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. 

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, and not later than January 1, 2002, 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.