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."