Texas House Bill HB4149

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/1/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/25/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to certain studies and reports by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding achievable cost-saving measures and the use and availability of electronic textbooks at institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implications of HB 4149 are significant for the management of educational institutions in Texas. By requiring a structured study and reporting on cost-saving measures, the bill prompts higher education institutions to critically evaluate their operational efficiencies. The report produced by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will not only provide actionable recommendations but also an estimate of the financial savings that could be achieved over a five-year period. This legislative move indicates a proactive approach to address funding challenges faced by public institutions, potentially allowing for reinvestment of realized savings into educational programs and services.

Summary

House Bill 4149 aims to mandate the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study focused on identifying achievable cost-saving measures within public institutions of higher education. The proposed legislation recognizes the need for fiscal efficiency in the operations of higher education facilities and seeks to explore a range of operational areas to yield potential savings. Areas of examination prescribed by the bill include facility utilization, staffing, delivery of instruction (including distance learning), management practices, timely graduation efforts, energy use, purchasing, and facility construction and maintenance.

Contention

While HB 4149 primarily focuses on identifying cost-saving measures, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of the proposed recommendations. Stakeholders in higher education may express concerns about the impact of rigid cost-cutting measures on educational quality and student services. For instance, reducing staffing or altering delivery methods of education might raise questions about maintaining the standard of education. Additionally, some advocates may caution against overly aggressive cost-cutting leading to diminished support for programs that are vital for student success and institutional integrity.