BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 4182
86R34167 SOS-F	By: Sherman, Sr. (West)
	Higher Education
	5/17/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

As the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT-Dallas) grows and matures as an institution of higher education, a successful athletics program will be a pillar in the growth and reputation of the institution. Athletics programs provide unique opportunities for a university and the students it serves, helping to create school pride, spirit and tradition. They can also generate media attention and strengthen a university�s brand.

UNT-DALLAS, as a young institution, is seeking to develop its �Trailblazer� traditions and identity. Such traditions can also create ties with alumni that keep them connected to their alma mater. Athletic traditions reinforce school pride that will extend throughout the southern Dallas community as well.

The university�s vision statement is to �empower students, transform lives and strengthen communities.� An athletics program would serve to further strengthen our community through lasting shared activities, traditions and play.

H.B. 4182 would authorize UNT-Dallas to allow the self-assessment and collection of an athletic fee. (SB 1678)

The UNT-Dallas Student Government Association will develop the referendum and determine the amount of the proposed fee, likely to range between $5 and $10 dollars per semester credit hour and the fee would be capped at 12 semester credit hours. No fee would be levied prior to the Fall of 2019.

The Committee Substitute adds language to increase ballot language transparency by requiring the amount of the proposed fee increase and the reason for the increase to be clearly stated on any ballot proposition.

H.B. 4182 amends current law relating to an intercollegiate athletics fee at the University of North Texas at Dallas.

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 Subchapter E, Chapter 54, Education Code, by adding Section 54.5192, as follows:

Sec. 54.5192. �INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS FEE; UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS AT DALLAS. (a) Authorizes the board of regents of the University of North Texas System (board) to charge each student enrolled at the University of North Texas at Dallas an intercollegiate athletics fee in an initial amount not to exceed $10 per semester credit hour for each regular semester or summer session. Authorizes the amount of the fee to be increased only as provided by Subsection (e).

(b) Requires a student enrolled in more than 12 semester credit hours to pay the fee in an amount equal to the amount charged a student enrolled in 12 semester credit hours during the same semester or session.

(c) Authorizes revenue from the fee charged under this section to be used only to develop and maintain an intercollegiate athletics program at the university.

(d) Prohibits the fee from being charged unless approved by a majority vote of the students enrolled at the university who participate in a general student election held for that purpose.

(e) Authorizes the amount of the fee per semester credit hour to be increased from one academic year to the next only if approved by a majority vote of the students participating in a general student election held for that purpose or, if the amount of the increase does not exceed five percent, by a majority vote of the legislative body of the student government of the university.

(f) Requires the ballot proposition for an election to approve a proposed initial fee under Subsection (d) or a proposed fee increase under Subsection (e) �to clearly state the amount of the proposed fee or proposed fee increase, as applicable, and describe the reason for the proposed fee or proposed fee increase, as applicable.

(g) Provides that a fee charged under this section is in addition to any other fee authorized by law and is prohibited from being considered in determining the maximum amount of student services fees that may be charged each student enrolled at the university under Section 54.503 (Student Services Fees).

SECTION 2. Prohibits a fee from being charged under Section 54.5192, Education Code, as added by this Act, before the 2019 fall semester.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.