Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR3

Filed
3/10/23  
Out of House Committee
4/11/23  
Voted on by House
4/17/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/4/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/9/23  

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

Impact

If passed, this amendment will allow for the allocation of up to $100 million annually from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) to the TUF. Importantly, this funding is sourced from the investment income of the ESF and will not affect its principal, meaning the ESF can continue to function as a financial safeguard for the state. The bill sets forth criteria for eligibility, ensuring that only certain universities can receive these funds, promoting a competitive environment aimed at elevating Texas’ educational institutions to a higher national status.

Summary

HJR3 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas University Fund (TUF), aiming to provide dedicated funding to select institutions of higher education in Texas, enabling them to achieve national prominence as major research universities. This program is designed to help these institutions drive the state's economy by enhancing their research capabilities and overall academic standing. The legislation was born from discussions highlighting the need for Texas to invest in its future workforce and technological advancements by bolstering its educational institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR3 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, with discussions emphasizing the potential benefits for Texas higher education. The measure received a significant majority in the House and a near-unanimous vote in the Senate, indicating strong bipartisan support. However, some concerns were expressed regarding effective use and management of the funds, with calls for transparency and accountability in how the distributions are implemented.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, notable points of contention include the criteria for fund distribution and the exclusion of major universities like the University of Texas and Texas A&M from receiving TUF funds. Critics argue that this could limit the capacity for these esteemed institutions to further excel in research, while supporters contend that fostering emerging universities might strike a better balance in allocating resources across the state's educational landscape. The debate reflects underlying tensions regarding how best to allocate state funds for educational growth and economic development.

Companion Bills

TX SJR5

Very Similar Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

TX HB1595

Enabled by Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.

TX HB1595

Enabled by Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

TX SJR35

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.

TX HJR139

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.

TX SB19

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.

TX HB1595

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.

TX HJR14

Proposing constitutional amendments limiting the public taking of private property, establishing the national research university fund to fund emerging research universities, and eliminating the higher education fund.

TX SJR49

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.

TX SB1560

Relating to university funding, including university funding for excellence, the national research university fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

TX HB51

Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds to provide funding to develop and maintain research universities in this state of the highest tier.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.