SRC-TAG C.S.H.B. 882 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 882
By: Christian (Staples)
Education
4/30/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)
DIGEST AND PURPOSE 
 
Currently, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) lacks sufficient funds
to upgrade its student center.  SFA has not significantly updated its
student union since the 1979-1980 school year, and students  have
expressed a desire to upgrade the facility.  C.S.H.B. 882 allows Stephen
F. Austin State University to increase its student center fee in order to
facilitate the renovation of its student center, contingent on approval by
a vote of  the student body. 

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 Section 54.520, Education Code, by amending Subsections
(a) and (b) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: 
 
(a)  Authorizes the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State
University, to the extent approved by the students under Subsection (b),
to charge each student enrolled in one or more courses conducted by the
university, rather than on the main campus of the university, a fee in the
amount of $9 for each semester credit hour,  in a total amount of least
$35 but not to exceed $85, rather than $15, per student for each semester
or summer session, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, renovating,
operating, maintaining, improving, equipping, and financing a university
center or additions to the center. Deletes text regarding the long session
and that the fees of each six-week term should not exceed $7.50 per
student.  Deletes text authorizing a  change in the fee amount at any time
within the specified limits in order to support the university.  Makes
nonsubstantive changes. 

(b)   Requires the decision to levy a fee under this section to be
approved by a majority of votes from the students participating in a
general election called for that purpose.  Deletes text requiring the
amount of the initial fee and any increase in the fee to be approved by
the students in a vote.  Makes a nonsubstantive change. 
 
 [Substituted as drafted does not contain a Subsection (d).]
  
SECTION 2.  Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies only
to fees imposed for a semester or term that begins on or after the
effective date of this Act. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.