BILL ANALYSIS
By: Blake
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Stephen F. Austin State University Student Recreation Center Committee, after reviewing the need for a dedicated student recreation facility, concluded that physical fitness and recreation were important components of student’s lives. The committee recommended that the university should take steps to address the lack of modernized on-campus fitness and recreation facilities. On November 16, 2004, students at Stephen F. Austin State University overwhelmingly approved a student recreation sports fee through referendum.
H.B. 598 would give legislative approval for the board of regents at Stephen F. Austin State 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
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
SECTION 1 - Subchapter E, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.5201 to grant the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State University the ability to charge each student enrolled at the university a recreational sports fee of not more than $120 per semester or $60 per summer session of six weeks or less.
The fee may not be increased by more than 10 percent per academic year without approval by students through a general election.
SECTION 2 - The change in law made by this Act applies only to fees imposed for a semester or term that begins after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3 - Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect immediately if it receives two-thirds vote approval of all members elected to each house. Otherwise, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.