HBA-KDB H.B. 3028 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3028 By: Dunnam Higher Education 4/1/2001 Introduced 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 (board) to conduct an annual state science and engineering fair (state fair) as part of an outreach program for middle school, junior high school, and high school students. The bill requires the board to coordinate the state fair with local and regional science and engineering fairs held in this state and authorizes the board to contract with public or private entities to conduct the state fair. The board is required to adopt rules for the organization and operation of the state fair and to select the participants in the state fair. The bill authorizes the board to use general revenue funds appropriated for the state fair and any gifts, grants, and donations to conduct the state fair. The bill prohibits the amount of general revenue funds appropriated for the state 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 state fair. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.