Texas Senate Bill SB2146

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/24/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

Caption

Relating to the annual allocation of certain constitutional funds to eligible agencies and institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill increases the annual amount of allocation significantly, from the previous figure of $175 million to $262.5 million for the respective fiscal years. This injection of funds is anticipated to help improve facilities, address infrastructure issues, and support the educational needs of diverse student populations across Texas. By establishing an equitable formula for the allocation of these funds, SB2146 endeavors to correct disparities that may have existed in previous funding structures.

Summary

SB2146 aims to modify the allocation of certain constitutional funds to eligible agencies, specifically targeting institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends the Education Code, particularly Sections 62.021 and 62.024, to establish a more structured and equitable distribution of funds based on several factors including space deficit, facilities condition, and institutional complexity. The aim is to enhance financial stability and ensure that the state's educational institutions can better manage their resources to meet growing demands.

Contention

One notable point of contention within discussions surrounding SB2146 could relate to the criteria established for fund allocation. While many stakeholders support the intent of increased funding, questions may arise regarding the specific metrics used to evaluate space needs and facility conditions. Institutions may lobby for adjustments in the formula to better reflect their individual circumstances and challenges. Additionally, the implementation timeline aligns with a period when many higher education institutions are seeking to recover from funding cutbacks, making the stakes particularly high.