SRC-TJG, VRA H.B. 1537 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1537
78R6542 KEL-DBy: Dukes (Barrientos)
Education
5-8-2003
Engrossed

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are numerous statues representing figures of historical
importance on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.  Some feel
that the campus environment would be more accommodating and more
reflective of current conditions in Texas if the existing statues were
joined by ones representing additional figures of historical significance.
Recently, the student body of The University of Texas at Austin approved a
referendum calling for the creation of $2 fee per semester, to be used to
construct statues of Barbara Jordan and Cesar Chavez and to establish
scholarship funds in their names.  H.B. 1537 authorizes The University of
Texas System board of regents to charge and collect a $2 per semester fee
for those purposes.  

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  Subchapter E, Chapter 54, Education Code, by adding
Section 54.5135, as follows: 

Sec.  54.5135.  BARBARA JORDAN AND CESAR CHAVEZ STATUES FEE; THE
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN.  (a)  Authorizes the board of regents of
The University of Texas System (board) to charge and collect from students
registered at The University of Texas at Austin a fee of $2 for any
semester or summer session.  Requires the fee to be used for funding the
construction of a Barbara Jordan statue and a Cesar Chavez statue on the
campus of The University of Texas at Austin and to establish Barbara
Jordan and Cesar Chavez student scholarships. 

(b)  Requires  the board to deposit one-half of the revenue collected from
the fee into the Barbara Jordan statue fee account for the purposes of
constructing the Barbara Jordan statue and, if funds permit, establishing
Barbara Jordan student scholarships.  Requires  any funds deposited in the
account in excess of the cost of the construction of the statue to be used
to establish the student scholarships. 

(c)  Requires the board  deposit the remaining revenue collected from the
fee into the Cesar Chavez statue fee account for the purposes of
constructing the Cesar Chavez statue and, if funds permit, establishing
Cesar Chavez student scholarships.  Requires any funds deposited in the
account in excess of the cost of the construction of the statue to be used
to establish the student scholarships. 

  (d)  Prohibits a fee from being charged under this section after August
31, 2007. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies
beginning with fees due for the 2003 fall semester. 

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