BILL ANALYSIS
By: Wentworth
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Texas State University System seeks approval to implement an intercollegiate athletics fee at an initial rate within certain limits. Subject to approval by a student referendum, the system seeks authorization to implement this fee beginning in the 2007 fall semester.
Currently, support for intercollegiate athletics is provided through the student services fee. Having a dedicated intercollegiate athletics fee would stabilize funding for intercollegiate athletics, making it more predictable and ensuring more reliable planning. A dedicated fee would also make student support of intercollegiate athletics more transparent.
As proposed, S.B. 161 authorizes a dedicated intercollegiate athletics fee as a substitute for the student service fee support.
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. Subchapter E, Chapter 54 of the Education Code is amended by adding Section 54.5381 relating to an intercollegiate athletics fee in the Texas State University System. Provides for terms used to determine the certain amount of an intercollegiate athletics fee (fee) that the Texas State University board of regents (board) is authorized to impose on each enrolled student.
Prohibits the imposition of the fee unless approved by a majority of students who participate in a general student election held for that purpose. Authorizes the collected fees to be used to develop and maintain an intercollegiate athletics program at the component institution. Requires the majority approval of students who participate in a general student election if the fee is to be increased by more than 10 percent. Prohibits this fee from affecting the amount of student services fees imposed under Section 54.503 (Student Services Fees).
Authorizes the board to impose the fee without calling an additional election if a majority of students who participate vote to approve the fee in a general student election held on or after January 1, 2005. Provides that this subsection expires January 1, 2008.
SECTION 2. Makes the application of this Act prospective to 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.