Relating to Prairie View A&M University's eligibility to participate in the research development fund.
Impact
If passed, SB2007 would facilitate Prairie View A&M University's access to potentially significant state funding for research. This could enhance the university's ability to conduct important studies and contribute to the educational landscape of Texas, particularly in areas requiring research development. Additionally, this could lead to increased investments in the university's infrastructure, faculty, and student resources, thus promoting long-term growth in the higher education sector within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 2007, proposed in 2009, aims to amend the Education Code of Texas regarding the eligibility of Prairie View A&M University for participation in the research development fund. The bill specifically targets the definition of 'eligible institution', which currently excludes Prairie View A&M University from eligibility. By changing the language in Section 62.092, the bill intends to provide Prairie View A&M University equal opportunities for funding alongside other higher education institutions in Texas.
Contention
The primary point of contention surrounding SB2007 pertains to the implications of altering eligibility criteria for state funding. Critics may argue about fairness in allocating limited resources among Texas's higher education institutions, questioning if it is appropriate to revise eligibility based solely on institutional identity. Advocates support the bill by asserting that equitable funding is essential for broader access to educational opportunities and for enhancing diversity in research contributions across Texas.
Notable_points
The urgency to pass this bill is underscored by its provision for immediate effect upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers. If it does not achieve this threshold, the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2009. This temporal element adds a layer of importance for stakeholders, as the bill's timely enactment would maximize benefits for Prairie View A&M University in the upcoming academic and fiscal cycles.
Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.
Relating to the creation of the Prairie View Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
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.
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.
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.
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.