H.B. 2379 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2379
By: Hill
Higher Education
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the statutory authority of The University of Texas at Dallas'
(UTD) recreation fee is maxed-out at $40 for each student for a semester
of the regular term or a 12-week summer session and $26.67 for each
student for an eight-week summer session.  Due to a major increase in
utility costs and additional staffing needs based on usage and security
demands, the current fee structure does not support the cost of operating
the Activities Center nor does it support a greatly needed expansion of
the facility.  The student senate at UTD voted to hold an election to
authorize the board of regents of The University of Texas System to levy a
mandatory recreation fee, not to exceed $65 for each student for a
semester of the regular term or a 12-week or longer summer session, and
$43.33 for each student for a summer session of less than 12 weeks. The
UTD student body voted to approve the measure.  HB 2379 authorizes the
board of regents of The University of Texas System to impose the fee. 

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 2379 amends Sections 54.544(b) and (c), Education Code, to increase the
maximum amount that can be charged for the recreational facility fee at
the University of Texas at Dallas to $65, rather than $40 for each student
for a semester of the regular term or a summer session of 12 weeks or
longer.  The bill provides that the recreational facility fee may not
exceed $43.33, rather than $26.67 for each student for a summer session of
less than 12 weeks, rather than an eightweek summer session.   

HB 2379 provides an alternative method by which the recreational facility
fee may be increased by more than 10 percent, which is by a majority vote
of the legislative body of the student government of the institution. 

HB 2379 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. 

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.