HBA-KDB H.B. 3028 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3028
By: Dunnam
Higher Education
7/18/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Science and engineering fairs may promote an appreciation for and interest
in science, mathematics, and engineering among middle school, junior high
school, and high school students.  Additionally, such fairs may promote
workforce development in the fields of science, mathematics, and
engineering by providing students with an opportunity to interact with
people involved in higher education and corporate institutions. House Bill
3028 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct an
annual state science and engineering fair as part of an outreach program
for middle school, junior high school, and high school students. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board in SECTION 1 (Section 61.088, Education Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3028 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to conduct an annual state science and
engineering fair (fair) as part of an outreach program for middle school,
junior high school, and high school students.  The bill requires THECB to
coordinate the state fair with local and regional science and engineering
fairs held in this state and authorizes THECB to contract with public or
private entities to conduct the fair.  THECB is required to adopt rules for
the organization and operation of the fair and to select the participants
in the fair.  The bill authorizes THECB to use general revenue funds
appropriated for the fair and any gifts, grants, and donations to conduct
the fair.   The bill prohibits the amount of general revenue funds
appropriated for the fair in a state fiscal year from exceeding $10,000 or
the total amount of money received as gifts, grants, or donations,
whichever amount is less.  The bill sets forth provisions relating to
conducting the first fair. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 11, 2001.