81R4507 KSD-D
By: Christian, Gallego, Deshotel, Kolkhorst, H.B. No. 425
McReynolds, et al.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a prohibition against changing the name of certain
public institutions of higher education that are named after state
historical figures.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.9051 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.9051. PRESERVING INSTITUTION NAME BASED ON STATE
HISTORICAL FIGURE. (a) In this section, "general academic
teaching institution," "governing board," and "public state
college" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
maintain a registry that includes each general academic teaching
institution, other than a public state college, that is named after
an established historical figure of this state, as determined by
the coordinating board in consultation with the Texas Historical
Commission.
(c) The governing board of an institution included on the
registry may not change the name of the institution in a manner that
removes the name of the established historical figure from the name
of the institution.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.