Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Texas House Bill HJR9

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, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research 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

The implications of HJR9 are broad, affecting the financial landscape of not only The University of Texas System but also providing additional resources to other public institutions of higher education across the state. By redistributing these funds, the bill aims to enhance opportunities for research and academic development in various universities, promoting a competitive educational environment. This may also help in investing into infrastructural and operational support which could lead to better education outcomes and more significant research contributions from these institutions.

Summary

HJR9 proposes a significant constitutional amendment regarding the distribution of funds from the Permanent University Fund (PUF) in Texas. The resolution seeks to reduce the share allocated to The University of Texas System from the PUF's annual income. This change is intended to transfer a portion of those funds to the National Research University Fund and to the General Revenue Fund. These allocations are designed to bolster the financial support available for public higher education institutions in Texas, possibly increasing their operational capabilities and resources.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill presents points of contention. Critics might argue that reducing the funding for The University of Texas System could hinder its ability to maintain its position as a leading educational establishment. Concerns may also arise around the adequacy of funding for all institutions as the state seeks to balance the financial support between multiple universities. The measure necessitates careful consideration of the consequences on individual institutions and the larger educational ecosystem in Texas, weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks of such alterations in funding distribution.

Companion Bills

TX SJR9

Same As 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, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR189

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 SJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent 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 SJR26

Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.

TX HJR3

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 SJR5

TX SB1058

Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.

TX HB3619

Relating to prohibiting the investment of the permanent university fund, the national research university fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial companies that boycott certain energy companies.

TX SB1489

Similar Bills

TX HJR189

TX SJR9

TX SJR14

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.

TX HJR24

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.

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 HB4453

Relating to the national research university fund and the allocation of amounts appropriated from the fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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.