BILL ANALYSIS
By: Leibowitz
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has one of the fastest growing student enrollment populations in Texas and also has 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 Recreation & Wellness Facility to bring it closer to national space standards for a collegiate campus recreational facility. New revenue would allow the university to extend hours of operation of the Recreational & Wellness Facility and allow for additional student services and programs.
Because of a UTSA policy, passage of a student referendum was needed before the university could seek legislation to implement the new fee. UTSA students passed a referendum in Spring 2004 authorizing the university to adjust the cap on recreation fees. This bill would allow 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
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 - Section 54.543, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to allow the board of regents at the University of Texas at San Antonio to levy a student recreational and wellness facility fee of no more than $150 per student, per semester, and no more than $75 per term of six weeks or less.
SECTION 2 - The change in law made by this Act applies beginning with the 2005 fall semester.
SECTION 3 - Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005