Texas Senate Bill SB437

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance higher education opportunities in the region by providing access to legal education. Establishing a law school is expected to serve not only the local population but also contribute to the overall legal community in Texas. The bill allows for the law educational institution to be funded by issuing bonds, with a cap set at $40 million, thus facilitating infrastructure development that accompanies such an establishment.

Summary

SB437 aims to establish a public law school in El Paso County under the governance of a university system in Texas. The bill outlines the procedures by which a university system's governing board may create and operationalize a law school, including the awarding of degrees and the administration of gifts and grants. Key to the bill is the requirement for the governing board to notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before proceeding with the establishment, ensuring that due diligence is followed through feasibility studies and community input.

Contention

There is potential contention regarding the allocation of resources and funding priorities, particularly if more than one university system expresses the desire to establish a law school. The bill mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board assess feasibility and may create competitive circumstances among governing boards, leading to debates on educational equity and resource distribution. Overall, while the bill is seen positively for bringing legal education to the region, concerns around funding adequacy and institutional control could generate significant discussions.