H.B. 1058 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1058 By: Alonzo Higher Education Committee Report (Amended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Mexican-American population in Texas is soaring. Latest U.S. Census projections show the Hispanic population to constitute approximately 32% of the population in Texas. As this ethnic group grows, it is important that opportunities exist to study the history and culture of such a substantial population. At the same time, student enrollment in junior and community colleges continues to increase. More and more students are choosing to pursue their higher education studies in settings many find to be less expensive and more convenient. HB 1058 seeks to expand the opportunity for all Texas students to pursue a program or course work in Mexican-American studies by requiring junior college governing boards to evaluate the demand for such programs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS HB 1058 amends Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, by adding Section 130.0102, to provide that the governing board of a public junior college district located in one or more counties with a substantial and growing Mexican-American population shall evaluate the demand for and feasibility of offering a Mexican-American studies field of study curriculum or other course work in Mexican-American studies at one or more junior colleges in the district. The bill provides that, with approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the governing board may offer a Mexican-American field of study curriculum or other course work in Mexican-American studies at any of those colleges if the governing board determines that such a program or course work is desirable and feasible. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003. EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENT The amendment modifies the original by replacing the language "establishing a Mexican-American studies program" with "offering a Mexican-American studies field of study curriculum."