BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 939

79R7774 ESH-D                                                                                                                By: Lucio

Education

4/1/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, there are no up-to-date studies on instructional facilities.  Past studies include a survey of Texas school districts in 1998 and a comprehensive facility study conducted 1991 by an independent firm.

As proposed, S.B. 939 directs the comptroller of public accounts, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency, to undertake a study regarding public school facilities and the feasibility of developing model designs, or school prototype designs, for school facilities.

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 A, Chapter 46, Education Code, by adding Section 46.014, as follows:

Sec. 46.014.  STUDY REGARDING SCHOOL FACILITIES.  (a) Requires the comptroller and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to study existing school facilities, the projected need for new facilities for the next ten years, and specific characteristics of an adequate school facility. 

(b) Requires the study of existing school facilities to include an examination of specific characteristics of those facilities.

(c) Requires the comptroller and TEA, in conducting the study of the feasibility of model plans for school facilities, to consult with specific persons and determine whether the development of model plans are a viable method for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in new school facilities. 

(d)  Requires the comptroller and TEA to consider whether model plans for school facilities are easily adaptable for specific needs, permit the use of specific building materials chosen by the school district, affect a school district's ability to select a cost-effective contracting method, and can be used by school districts that use nontraditional educational delivery systems.

(e)  Requires the comptroller and the agency to consider specific legal issues raised by the use of model plans for school facilities.

(f)  Requires the comptroller and TEA to submit, no later than December 1, 2006, a report based on the study required by this section to the legislature.  Provides that this section expires January 15, 2007.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.