BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 596

                                                                                                                                         By: Nichols

Higher Education

6/9/2009

Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This bill prohibits the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) board of regents from changing the name of the university.  There are no plans to change the name.  However, placing the prohibition in the statute will forever preserve the contributions of Stephen Fuller Austin and link the university to the "Father of Texas."

This is an appropriate action since SFA is celebrating its 85th anniversary this academic year, having begun classes on September 18, 1923.

S.B. 596 prohibits the name of the Stephen F. Austin State University from being changed.

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 Section 101.01, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 101.01.  STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY.  (a)  Creates this subsection from existing text.

(b)  Prohibits the name of the Stephen F. Austin State University from being changed.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.