Texas House Bill HB1967

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09

Caption

Relating to the operation of certain institutions of higher education as general academic teaching institutions and to the statutory limitation imposed on certain university systems to issue revenue bonds to fund facilities at certain institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1967 would facilitate the financing of educational facilities and improve the operational environment for certain institutions by enabling university systems to issue revenue bonds more freely. This could potentially lead to enhanced academic resources, improved student facilities, and expansions in operational capabilities. The change is expected to provide immediate fiscal relief for institutions looking to upgrade their facilities and might stimulate further investment in higher education infrastructure in the long term.

Summary

House Bill 1967 addresses the statutory limitations on certain university systems regarding their ability to issue revenue bonds for funding facilities at specific institutions of higher education. The bill seeks to repeal certain sections of the Education Code, which currently restrict these university systems from utilizing revenue bonds effectively. The repeal aims to provide more autonomy to select universities, allowing them to secure funding for essential infrastructure without the existing statutory limitations, thereby impacting their growth and operational capacity significantly.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 1967 highlight critical concerns regarding the balance between university autonomy and regulatory oversight. Proponents argue that the repeal of specific limitations will allow universities to function more like independent entities when it comes to fiscal management. However, critics may raise questions about the accountability of universities in managing and issuing these bonds without tight regulations, potentially leading to financial mismanagement or misuse of funds. The debates are likely to center around the implications of increased borrowing power and the responsibilities that come with it.