BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 1412
79R18701 KSD-D By: Haggerty (Shapleigh)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The University of Texas at El Paso has experienced major growth over the past ten years. In 1996, when the current Swimming and Fitness Center opened, there were 15,386 students at the university. A subsequent addition was completed in the fall of 2000. Today, student enrollment is at an all-time high of 18,542. Consistent with the current campus master plan, the institution has identified new demand for indoor and outdoor recreational sports facilities. The university hired an external consultant in March 2003 to determine the need for expansion and development of the student recreation complex. Students have subsequently expressed interest in expanding their recreational opportunities and believe now is the time to pursue a student referendum.
In order for the university to meet the growing interest in sports and recreation of a rapidly growing student population it is critical that the existing facilities of the student recreation complex be expanded. Existing recreation facilities are over-used and impossible to maintain at an optimal level. The existing facilities do not accommodate the growing use or meet the current trends in collegiate recreation.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 54.541(a) and (c), Education Code, as follows:
(a) Authorizes the board of regents of The University of Texas System to charge a recreational facility fee not to exceed $12 per student per semester or summer session or a greater amount not to exceed $40 per student per semester or summer session if that maximum amount is approved by a two-thirds vote of those students participating in a general student election called at The University of Texas at El-Paso (UTEP) for that purpose. Authorizes the election to be held at the same time as an election under Subsection (c) to increase the amount of the fee charged.
(c) Prohibits the amount of the recreational facility fee charged to a student from being increased from one academic year to the next unless the amount of the increase is approved by a two-thirds vote of those students participating in a general student election called at UTEP. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005 fall semester.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.