BILL ANALYSIS
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Student Senate at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin conducted a fall 2006 survey, asking if respondents would consider imposing a student fee for the construction and operation of a multi-purpose student center. Over 500 responses were received. Of the functions to be included in the proposed multipurpose student center, 431 asked for a new food service facility, 332 for recreational facility/gym, 165 for childcare facility, 365 for study area, and 348 for a game room.
In January 2007, a referendum of the student body was conducted; 96% of the student voters voted in favor of the construction and operation of the multi-purpose student center. Voting took place at the entrance to the main building over a two day period. The Student Senate accepted the results and requested that the university seek authority to charge a fee for the construction and operation of the multipurpose student center. HB 1157 provides for a fee to finance a multi-purpose student center at the University of Texas Permian Basin.
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: Amends Subchapter E, Chapter 54 of the Education Code by adding Section 54.5332 for a student services building fee at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The board of regents of the University of Texas System may charge each student enrolled at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin a fee for the purpose of financing, constructing, operating, maintaining, or improving a student services building. This added section sets forth parameters for what the fee may not exceed. The board may pledge fees imposed to pay obligations issued pursuant to the revenue financing system of The University of Texas System.
The amount of the fee for a semester or summer session may not be increased by more than 10 percent from the amount of the fee for a similar semester or summer session of the preceding academic year unless the amount of the increase is approved by a majority vote of the students participating in a general student election held for that purpose.
The university shall collect the fee imposed and deposit the money collected into an account to be known as the student services building account of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Allows money in the account to be used only for the purposes described by the added language. A fee charged is in addition to any other fee the board is authorized by law to charge at the university and may not be considered in determining the maximum student services fee.
SECTION 2: This Act applies beginning with the 2007 fall semester.
SECTION 3: Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.