By:  Bivins, et al.                                    S.B. No. 573
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to a public awareness campaign to promote the value and
 1-3     availability of higher education.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1.  Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding
 1-6     Subchapter X to read as follows:
 1-7             SUBCHAPTER X.  PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN PROMOTING
 1-8                              HIGHER EDUCATION
 1-9           Sec. 61.951.  PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.  (a)  The board
1-10     shall establish a statewide public awareness campaign to promote
1-11     the value and availability of higher education.
1-12           (b)  The campaign may include the provision of information
1-13     on:
1-14                 (1)  the benefits of obtaining a postsecondary
1-15     education;
1-16                 (2)  the types of institutions of higher education and
1-17     degree programs available;
1-18                 (3)  the academic preparation needed to pursue a
1-19     postsecondary education and any other requirements for enrollment
1-20     at an institution of higher education; and
1-21                 (4)  how to obtain financial aid and what forms of
1-22     financial aid are available.
1-23           Sec. 61.952.  TARGET AUDIENCE.  (a)  The campaign established
1-24     by the board must target primary and secondary school students.
1-25           (b)  The board shall give priority to reaching primary and
 2-1     secondary school students from groups or backgrounds that are
 2-2     traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
 2-3           Sec. 61.953.  COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES.  The board
 2-4     may coordinate with other agencies as necessary to develop and
 2-5     implement the public awareness campaign.
 2-6           Sec. 61.954.  FUNDING.  The board may use any available
 2-7     revenue, including legislative appropriations, and may solicit and
 2-8     accept gifts, grants, and donations to undertake the campaign.
 2-9           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.