Texas Senate Bill SJR35

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/6/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

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.