TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR35

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR35

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/6/09  
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.

Impact

By transferring the existing balance of the Higher Education Fund to the National Research University Fund, SJR35 restructures the financial framework supporting public universities in Texas. The fund’s management will be dictated by an equitable allocation formula established by the legislature, which must review and possibly adjust this allocation biennially. Eligibility for receiving distributions from this fund is limited to certain state universities, excluding larger institutions such as The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, which are not permitted to receive direct funding from it.

Summary

SJR35 proposes a constitutional amendment for the establishment of the National Research University Fund in Texas. The goal of this fund is to provide emerging research universities in the state with the necessary resources to achieve national prominence. The resolution dictates that the legislature may allocate state revenue to this fund and is expected to manage and invest the funds in accordance with existing standards for the Permanent University Fund. This aimed allocation would foster research and educational initiatives that enhance the capabilities of these institutions.

Contention

Supporters of SJR35 argue that providing dedicated funding will elevate the status of emerging research universities, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation within Texas. However, critics raise concerns about the potential inequity in funding if emerging universities are not supported adequately in comparison to more established institutions. Additionally, there may be debates regarding how the investments are managed and whether the distributions can truly meet the diverse needs of all eligible universities.

Latest TX SJR35 Activity

View All Events: TX 2009 - 81st Regular SJR35

Companion Bills

TX HJR139

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.

TX SB1560

Enabled by 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.

Previously Filed As

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 SB1489

Relating to prohibiting the investment of the permanent university fund, the national research university fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial companies that boycott certain energy companies.

TX HB3619

Relating to prohibiting the investment of the permanent university fund, the national research university fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial companies that boycott certain energy companies.

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