BILL ANALYSIS
By: Hinojosa
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The student government of Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, as was demonstrated by an initiative proposed by that body during the 2005-2006 academic year, would like to establish a student endowment scholarship and internship program, funded by an additional student fee, in order to fund scholarships and student internships. However, the board of regents (board) of the university does not have the necessary statutory authority to charge such a fee.
As proposed, S.B. 1417 authorizes the board to charge a student endowment fund fee within the limits provided for the purpose of creating a student endowment fund at the university, and sets forth the specifics related to the imposition of the fee, any increases in the fee, and other related items.
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 54.5395, relating to a student endowment fund fee at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Authorizes the board of regents (board) of The Texas A&M University System to impose a student endowment fund fee on each student enrolled at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi.
Prohibits the fee from being imposed unless approved by a majority vote of students participating in a general student election at the university. Prohibits the fee amount from exceeding $1 per semester credit hour for each regular semester or summer session, unless increased as provided.
Provides that the amount of the fee may not be increased by more than 10 percent unless the increase has been approved by a majority vote of the students enrolled at the university who participate in a general student election called for that purpose. Requires a fee imposed under this section to be used to establish a student endowment fund. Provides that a fee imposed under this section is in addition to any other fee authorized by law and prohibits the fee from being considered in determining the maximum amount of student services fees that are authorized to be imposed.
SECTION 2: Amends Section 56.243 of the Education Code to authorize a general academic teaching institution to elect to participate in the Student Endowment Scholarship and Internship Program at any time, rather than before September 1, 2004.
SECTION 3: Amends Section 56.246 of the Education Code to delete text prohibiting the amount of student endowment scholarship funding for an internship from exceeding $500 per semester or summer session during the five year period in which the institution is authorized to receive state matching funds. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 4. Amends Sections 56.247(a) and (c), Education Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 5. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2007 fall semester.
SECTION 6. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.