BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1045

80R7232 JRD-D                                                                                                        By: Wentworth

S/C on Higher Education

3/30/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, performance evaluations of the commissioner of higher education (commissioner) and chief executive officers of institutions of higher education (executive officers) are not exempted from disclosure under the Public Information Act.  However, evaluations of public school superintendents are exempted.

As proposed, S.B. 1045 exempts performance evaluations of the commissioner and executive officers from disclosure under the Public Information Act.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 552, Government Code, by adding Section 552.1231, as follows:

Sec. 552.1231.  EXCEPTION:  PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.  Provides that a performance evaluation of the commissioner of higher education or the chief executive officer of an institution of higher education, including a university system, is confidential and excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 (Availability of Public Information).

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or the 91^st day after adjournment.