Texas House Bill HB918

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.

Impact

The passage of HB 918 would have a notable impact on state laws concerning higher education funding and capital projects. By allowing the Texas Tech University System to issue these revenue bonds, the bill positions the institution to enhance its facilities and potentially improve the quality of education and research output at the Health Sciences Center. This aligns with broader goals to increase access to healthcare education and services in the region, which can have ripple effects on local economies and public health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 918 aims to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds specifically for funding capital projects at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso. This legislation enables the Texas Tech University System's board of regents to finance new facility constructions and improvements, including the El Paso Medical Science Building II and the El Paso Clinical Sciences Building. The total amount earmarked for these projects is significant, with $84,960,000 allocated for the Medical Science Building and $30,960,000 for the Clinical Sciences Building.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at improving higher education infrastructure, potential points of contention may arise regarding the management and allocation of funds. Concerns could be raised about the implications of pledging student tuition revenues as part of the bond repayment structure, as this could affect tuition rates and financial burdens on students. Additionally, there may be scrutiny regarding the overall economic impact these projects will have on the El Paso community and whether they will adequately address local healthcare needs.