BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 598

79R3240 JRJ-F                                                                                                    By: Blake (Staples)

                                                                                                                    S/C on Higher Education

                                                                                                                                            4/28/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Stephen F. Austin State University Student Recreation Center Committee (committee), after reviewing the need for a dedicated student recreation facility, concluded that physical fitness and recreation were important components of students' lives.  The committee recommended that Stephen F. Austin University (university) take steps to address the lack of modernized on-campus fitness and recreation facilities.  On November 16, 2004, students at the university approved a student recreation sports fee through referendum. 

 

H.B. 598 gives legislative approval for the board of regents at the university to charge each student a recreation sports fee.  The funds generated by this fee would be used for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a dedicated student recreational facility and related recreation sports programs.  The creation of such a facility would greatly bolster the mental and physical well-being of the students at the university.

 

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 54.5201, as follows:

 

            Sec. 54.5201.  RECREATIONAL SPORTS FEE; STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY. (a) Authorizes the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State University to charge each student enrolled at the university a recreational sports fee not to exceed $120 per semester or  summer session of longer than six weeks or $60 per summer session of six weeks or less.  Authorizes the fee to be used to purchase equipment for and to construct, operate, and maintain recreational sports facilities and programs. 

 

                        (b) Prohibits the recreation fee from being increased more than 10 percent from one academic year to the next unless the increase has been approved by a majority vote of those students participating in a general student election called for that purpose.  Prohibits the fee from exceeding the amounts provided by Subsection (a). 

 

                        (c) Requires the chief fiscal officer of the university to collect any student recreational sports fee imposed under this section and deposit the money collected in an account to be known as the student recreational sports account. 

 

                        (d) Provides that a student recreational sports fee imposed is not counted in determining the maximum student services fee that may be charged under Section 54.503 (Student Services Fees).   

 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective. 

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.