HBA-LJP S.B. 989 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 989
By: Ogden
Higher Education
4/6/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prairie View A&M University (university) was first established in 1876 to
offer educational opportunities to African Americans, and is designated as
a historically black college and university by the United States Department
of Education.  Under current law, one of the purposes of the university is
to offer instruction, research, and public service programs dedicated to
enabling students with latent aptitudes, talents, and abilities and of
diverse economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to realize their
potential.  The wording "latent aptitudes, talent, and abilities" may,
however, be construed as being discriminatory.  Senate Bill 989 removes
this wording from the purpose statement of the university. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 989 amends the Education Code to provide that, in the purpose
statement of Prairie View A&M University, the university is a statewide
special purpose institution of higher education for instruction, research,
and public service programs dedicated to enabling students of diverse
economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to realize their full potential. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.