BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1516

By: Coleman

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Most public universities in Texas include an athletics fee as part of the university's tuition costs, which typically requires approval from only the students attending the university. Concerns have been raised that in addition to obtaining student approval, Texas Southern University is bound by statutory provisions relating to the imposition of those fees. H.B. 1516 seeks to address this issue by providing for the issuance of an athletics fee by Texas Southern University without relying on legislative action.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 1516 repeals Section 54.5223(g), Education Code, which limits the time period in which the board of regents of Texas Southern University may impose an intercollegiate athletics fee, and Section 54.5223(h), Education Code, which provides for the expiration of the provisions authorizing the fee.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.