TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2007

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2007

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/29/09  
Voted on by Senate
5/1/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

TX HB4567

Similar Relating to the research development fund.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1058

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

TX HB2445

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.

TX HR285

Honoring the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University.

TX SR197

Recognizing the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University for its contributions to higher education.

TX HB5355

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.

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 SR11

Recognizing Lawrence B. Harkless on his induction into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.