HBA-BSM S.B. 575 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 575
By: Staples
Higher Education
4/8/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1973, the legislature assigned the responsibility for licensing and
regulating youth camps to the Texas Department of Health (department).  In
recent years, personnel from some of the department's regional offices have
insisted that private or independent  institutions of higher education that
provide activities for young people on campuses during the summer months or
other periods of low demand should be regulated by the department.  The
department's regulations apply to any property or facilities having the
general characteristics of a day camp, resident camp, or travel camp as
these terms are generally understood. Senate Bill 575 clarifies that the
Texas Youth Camp safety and Health Act does not apply to accredited private
or independent colleges and universities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 575 amends the Health and Safety Code to exempt a facility or
program operated by a private or independent institution of higher
education from the provisions of the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health
Act. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

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