Texas House Bill HB1486

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the intercollegiate athletics fee at Texas A&M University--Texarkana; authorizing a fee.

Impact

A key aspect of HB1486 is that the fee can only be implemented following approval by a majority of the university’s enrolled students via a general student election. There are provisions for increasing the fee in subsequent years, which also require either a majority vote from students or, if the increase does not exceed five percent, approval from the student government's legislative body. This process instills a sense of student participation and governance in the financial aspects of their university experience.

Summary

House Bill 1486 relates to the imposition of intercollegiate athletics fees at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. This bill authorizes the university's board of regents to charge students an athletics fee amounting to a maximum of $9 per semester credit hour. The fee is aimed at supporting the development and maintenance of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program, indicating a legislative push towards enhancing sports facilities and activities at this institution.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise from this bill concerning the compulsory nature of the fee and its impact on students' financial obligations. While it is designed to enhance university athletics, students may have differing opinions on its necessity and the implications of additional fees on top of existing tuition and other costs. There may also be discussions on the extent to which a student's vote influences such financial decisions, and how effectively the athletics program will utilize the collected fees for its intended purpose.