Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3517

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
5/4/11  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the administration and business affairs of public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws relating to the operation and management of public colleges and universities. By redefining financial management practices and reducing the bureaucratic load for acquiring goods and services, it seeks to enhance institutional efficiency. It may affect how institutions manage their funds and interact with vendors, potentially leading to cost savings and improved operational capabilities. In particular, the removal of certain reporting obligations aligns with a broader effort to decrease administrative burdens on institutions, allowing them to focus resources on educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 3517 focuses on the administration and business affairs of public institutions of higher education in Texas. It aims to update certain provisions related to financial management, governance, and contracting practices of these institutions. The bill introduces amendments to the Education Code and Government Code, enhancing the flexibility for institutions regarding financial operations and streamlining processes for acquiring goods and services. Among the notable changes is the allowance for institutions to maintain unsecured deposits in foreign banks necessary for supporting operations abroad, promoting a more global approach to educational management.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3517 could stem from the criticisms regarding the reduction of oversight associated with financial practices in public institutions of higher education. While proponents argue that the changes will enhance operational efficiency, opponents may express concerns about transparency and the potential risk for mismanagement of funds. Additionally, the broad empowerment of governing boards in approving contracts and financial operations might lead to contentious debates about accountability and ethical considerations within university systems.

Companion Bills

TX SB5

Similar Relating to the administration and business affairs of public institutions of higher education.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX SB17

Relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX SB1537

Relating to measures to prevent espionage and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4880

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education; providing a private cause of action.

Similar Bills

TX SB5

Relating to the administration and business affairs of public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1581

Relating to state fiscal matters, and certain administrative and business matters, related to public and higher education.

TX HB3853

Relating to creation of the university research initiative fund, the abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and the disposition of balances from the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX HB3241

Relating to state agency contracting; creating an offense.

TX SB20

Relating to state agency contracting.

TX HB2825

Relating to reporting requirements for certain loan and title insurance transactions involving foreign companies and real property located near military bases.

CA AB1018

Real estate appraisers.

TX HB2373

Relating to control over state facilities and to the abolition of the Texas Facilities Commission and the transfer of its duties to the General Land Office.