81R9079 KJM-D
By: Shapleigh S.B. No. 1523
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requiring satisfactory completion of a course in the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building
Rating System as a requisite for a degree in architecture at certain
public institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.311 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.311. LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
(LEED) COURSE REQUIRED. (a) An institution of higher education, as
defined by Section 61.003, that offers a degree program in
architecture:
(1) shall provide a course in the United States Green
Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Green Building Rating System as part of the degree program in
architecture; and
(2) may not award a degree in architecture to a student
who does not satisfactorily complete the course or an equivalent
course at another institution.
(b) A course provided under this section may focus on
preparing a student to earn the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional credential.
(c) This section does not apply to requirements for a degree
program in architecture for a student who entered the degree
program at an institution of higher education before the 2010 fall
semester. This subsection expires January 1, 2016.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.