Honorable Dan Branch, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4313 by Gallego (Relating to the creation of the Texas Legislative Fellows Program for certain students enrolled in component institutions of The University of Texas System.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would establish the Texas Legislative Fellows Program, giving the University of Texas Board of Regents authority to develop the program. Students enrolled in component institutions of the system would be selected to perform internships for members of the Texas Legislature during the Spring semester of odd-numbered years. At least one student must be selected from each component general academic teaching institution. The bill sets out workload and course requirements necessary for students during their participation in the fellows program. The Board of Regents would further be required to appoint a faculty member who would oversee the program.
Students selected to participate would be paid a $10,000 stipend, paid by the member of each house of the Texas Legislature to which the intern is assigned. The salary of the faculty member designated as the director of the internship program would be paid by each house. Costs associated with the program are not considered significant.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.