Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4616

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities and a review of the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system.

Impact

HB 4616 stipulates a review of institutional groupings every ten years, which could facilitate modifications in funding distributions and the criteria for institutions categorized as research or emerging universities. The bill proposes to direct state appropriations towards enhancing the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty, as well as improving the research capacity of these institutions. Consequently, this could lead to better educational outcomes and increased research opportunities that benefit students and faculty alike.

Summary

House Bill 4616 aims to provide financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities in Texas. The bill introduces a new structure under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which includes funding allocations specifically aimed at institutions that meet certain criteria for research productivity and student support. This initiative is expected to enhance the overall competitiveness of Texas higher education institutions on a national level.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the distribution of funds. Critics may express concerns over potential inequities in funding allocations, particularly if smaller or lesser-known institutions struggle to compete for resources compared to more established research universities. The delineation of 'at-risk' students and 'critical fields' for funding distribution also raises questions about inclusivity and equitable access to resources for different student demographics across various institutions.

Companion Bills

TX SB9

Identical Relating to financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities and a review of the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system.

Similar Bills

TX HB1595

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.

TX SB19

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.

TX HB51

Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.

TX SB9

Relating to financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities and a review of the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system.

TX SB1058

Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.

TX SB1560

Relating to university funding, including university funding for excellence, the national research university fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.