BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2441
79R9459 KSD-D By: Leibowitz (Van de Putte)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has one of the fastest-growing student enrollment populations in Texas and one of the highest space deficiency ratings compared to other public universities. New revenue is needed to triple the current size of the UTSA's recreational and wellness facility to bring it closer to national space standards for a collegiate campus recreational facility. New revenue would allow UTSA to extend hours of operation of the recreational and wellness facility and allow for additional student services and programs.
UTSA students passed a referendum in Spring 2004 authorizing UTSA to adjust the cap on recreation fees. H.B. 2441 allows UTSA to adjust the current cap of $100 per student, per semester for the use of the recreational and wellness facility to up to $150 per student, per semester.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.543, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:
(a) Authorizes the board of regents of The University of Texas System to charge each student enrolled at The University of Texas San Antonio a recreational facility fee not to exceed $150 for a term or semester of more than six weeks, rather than $100 for each semester of the regular term or summer session, or $75 for a term or semester of six weeks or less.
(a-1) Authorizes the recreational facility fee to be used only to finance, construct, operate, maintain, or improve student recreational facilities at the university.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005 fall semester.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.