BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2272

79R10439 KSD-D                                                                                               By: Farabee (Estes)

                                                                                                                    S/C on Higher Education

                                                                                                                                            4/28/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Midwestern State University is requesting statutory authority for its board of regents to charge a health facilities fee of no more that $130 each semester or $65 per summer session shorter than six weeks for a new health and wellness facility on campus.  This fee was approved by 82 percent of the students voting in an election on the issue.  The Midwestern State University board of regents also approved the fee.

 

The student recreational and health facility project will provide a center for recreation and total wellness.  The facility will be located overlooking Sikes Lake and provide space for various activities, including a rock climbing wall, indoor elevated track, racquetball courts, and basketball courts as well as a weight and cardio facility.  A 7,500 square foot health center will provide necessary space for expanded medical services to students.  Other amenities of the project include an outdoor adventure center, basketball courts, and a picnic area for students.  H.B. 2272 authorizes Midwestern State University to charge students fees in order to build and maintain a recreation and health facility.

 

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 54.5441, as follows:

 

Sec. 54.5441. STUDENT RECREATIONAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES FEE; MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY. (a) Authorizes the board of regents of Midwestern State University to charge each student enrolled at the university a recreational and health facilities fee, as specified, to be used for certain purposes.

 

(b) Prohibits the recreational and health facilities fee authorized by this section from being increased more than 10 percent from one academic year to the next, unless certain circumstances exist.  Prohibits the fee from exceeding the amounts provided by Subsection (a).

 

(c) Requires the chief fiscal officer of the university to collect any recreational and health facilities fee imposed under this section and to deposit the money collected as specified.

 

(d) Provides that a recreational and health facilities fee imposed under this section is not counted in determining the maximum student services fee that may be charged under Section 54.503 (Student Services Fee).

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

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