Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HJR140

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to dedicate certain royalties from oil production on permanent university fund lands to create an endowment within the fund to support research and development in alternative energy, renewable energy, and energy conservation.

Impact

If enacted, HJR140 would amend the Texas Constitution, specifically Article VII, to establish a new section dedicated to this endowment. The amendment stipulates that the royalties attributable to oil produced at prices exceeding $100 per barrel would become part of this fund, thereby ensuring a stable source of funding for renewable energy research initiatives. The bill also specifies that the endowment would be managed alongside the existing PUF assets, further integrating it into Texas's educational funding framework.

Summary

HJR140 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at dedicating certain royalties received from oil production on permanent university fund lands. This initiative intends to create an endowment specifically within the Texas Permanent University Fund (PUF) to support research and development in alternative energy, renewable energy, and energy conservation. By allocating these royalties, the bill seeks to enhance funding for energy-related advancements through academic institutions in Texas, fostering innovative solutions in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Contention

The proposal has sparked discussions regarding the allocation of state resources and the role of higher education institutions in leading energy-related research. Proponents argue that setting aside these royalties for alternative energy initiatives is essential for diversifying Texas's energy economy and addressing environmental concerns. However, critics may raise concerns about the potential impacts on funding for other essential programs or question the efficiency and effectiveness of university-led research initiatives in responding to the state's pressing energy challenges. Ultimately, the fate of this amendment lies with the voters in the upcoming election.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX SJR49

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.

TX HJR189

Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

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 SJR81

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.

TX SJR26

Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.

TX SB1058

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

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 SJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

TX HJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.