Texas House Bill HJR24

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment is expected to redistribute financial resources within Texas's higher education framework. By reallocating funds to the General Revenue Fund, the bill may enhance funding opportunities for other public universities not part of the University of Texas or Texas A&M systems. This change aims to foster educational equity by allowing for a more stable and predictable funding stream for a broader range of higher education institutions, thus potentially strengthening the overall quality and accessibility of public higher education in Texas.

Summary

HJR24 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at altering the distribution of the Permanent University Fund (PUF) in Texas. Specifically, the bill seeks to reduce The University of Texas System's share of income and benefits derived from the PUF. Instead, the proposed amendment would channel a portion of the annual distribution from the PUF to both the National Research University Fund and the General Revenue Fund. The ultimate goal is to ensure adequate support and maintenance for public institutions of higher education across the state, thereby expanding resource availability beyond just the institutions within The University of Texas System.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJR24 is anticipated, especially among stakeholders from The University of Texas System and other higher education institutions. Proponents argue that the bill addresses funding disparities and supports the establishment of other universities in Texas, which could lead to increased competition and improvement in academic standards. Conversely, opponents may view the amendment as a threat to the financial stability of The University of Texas System, which has historically relied on the PUF for a significant portion of its funding. This tension between institutional interests and broader educational equity will likely be a focal point of discussion during legislative proceedings.