1-1     By:  Bivins, Truan                                     S.B. No. 573
 1-2           (In the Senate - Filed February 7, 2001; February 8, 2001,
 1-3     read first time and referred to Committee on Education;
 1-4     March 1, 2001, reported favorably by the following vote:  Yeas 9,
 1-5     Nays 0; March 1, 2001, sent to printer.)
 1-6                            A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-7                                   AN ACT
 1-8     relating to a public awareness campaign to promote the value and
 1-9     availability of higher education.
1-10           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-11           SECTION 1.  Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding
1-12     Subchapter X to read as follows:
1-13             SUBCHAPTER X.  PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN PROMOTING
1-14                              HIGHER EDUCATION
1-15           Sec. 61.951.  PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.  (a)  The board
1-16     shall establish a statewide public awareness campaign to promote
1-17     the value and availability of higher education.
1-18           (b)  The campaign may include the provision of information
1-19     on:
1-20                 (1)  the benefits of obtaining a postsecondary
1-21     education;
1-22                 (2)  the types of institutions of higher education and
1-23     degree programs available;
1-24                 (3)  the academic preparation needed to pursue a
1-25     postsecondary education and any other requirements for enrollment
1-26     at an institution of higher education; and
1-27                 (4)  how to obtain financial aid and what forms of
1-28     financial aid are available.
1-29           Sec. 61.952.  TARGET AUDIENCE.  (a)  The campaign established
1-30     by the board must target primary and secondary school students.
1-31           (b)  The board shall give priority to reaching primary and
1-32     secondary school students from groups or backgrounds that are
1-33     traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
1-34           Sec. 61.953.  COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES.  The board
1-35     may coordinate with other agencies as necessary to develop and
1-36     implement the public awareness campaign.
1-37           Sec. 61.954.  FUNDING.  The board may use any available
1-38     revenue, including legislative appropriations, and may solicit and
1-39     accept gifts, grants, and donations to undertake the campaign.
1-40           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
1-41                                  * * * * *