HBA-MPM S.B. 481 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 481
By: Harris
Higher Education
4/30/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Section 62.021(a), Education Code, prohibits the comptroller
from using payment from the Higher Education Assistance Fund, appropriated
by Article VII, Section 17, Texas Constitution, until goods are received,
unless the payment is for principal or interest on bonds or notes.  Many
higher education libraries are unable to prepay periodical subscriptions.
S.B. 481 allows higher education libraries to pay for books and other
published library materials prior to delivery. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 62.021(a), Education Code, to authorize the
comptroller of public accounts to issue a warrant from funds for the
purchase of books and other published library materials as provided by
Section 2155.386 (Prepayment for Library Materials by Institution of Higher
Education), Government Code.  Conforms this section to reflect the change
in the name of certain institutions of higher education.  

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.