BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1138

79R8262 KSD-D                                                                                                                 By: Estes

S/C on Higher Education

3/31/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current recreational facilities at Midwestern State University are not sufficient for the needs of the growing university.  The university's board of regents has authorized the imposition of a fee to construct a new recreational and health facility and 82 percent of the student body voted in favor of the projects. 

The student recreational and health facility project will provide a center of recreation and total wellness.  The facility, to be located overlooking Sikes Lake, will provide space for various activities including a rock climbing wall, an indoor elevated walking and running track, racquetball courts, and basketball courts as well as a state-of-the-art 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.    

As proposed, S.B. 1138 authorizes the board of regents of Midwestern State University to charge a health facilities fee of no more than $130 each semester or $65 per summer session shorter than six weeks for a new health and wellness facility on campus. 

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.  RECREATIONAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES FEE; MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY. (a) Authorizes the board of regents (board) of Midwestern State University, beginning with the 2007 spring semester, to charge each student registered at the university a recreational and health facilities fee not to exceed $130 for each semester of the regular term or summer session of 12 weeks or longer and not to exceed $65 for each summer session of less than 12 weeks. 

                        (b) Authorizes the recreational and health facilities fee to be used only for certain improvements for a student recreation center or health center at the university. 

                        (c) Provides that the recreational and health facilities fee is in addition to any other fee the board is authorized by law to impose. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2007 spring semester. 

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