BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 596

By: Nichols

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the past, some Texas colleges and universities have been renamed, whether to reflect an affiliation with a university system or to reflect a changing vision of an institution's role and scope, and, in the process, some of these renamed colleges and universities may have lost some element of historical significance. While there are no plans to change the name of Stephen F. Austin State University , which was named in honor of the "Father of Texas," a statutory prohibition against such renaming would ensure the preservation of an important part of the university's legacy and serve as a reminder of one of Texas' founding figures.

S.B. 596 prohibits the Stephen F. Austin State University board of regents from changing the name of the university, preserving in the university's name reference to the historical significance of Stephen F. Austin to Texas.

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

S.B. 596 amends the Education Code to prohibit the changing of the name of Stephen F. Austin State University .

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.