Texas Senate Bill SB528

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/7/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/17/11
• Refer: 2/17/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Report Pass: 3/7/11
• Voted on by House: 5/5/11
• Engrossed: 3/17/11
• Governor Action: 5/19/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Enrolled: 5/6/11
• Passed: 5/19/11

Caption

Relating to meetings of the University of Houston System Board of Regents.

Impact

This bill is significant as it directly affects how the University of Houston System operates. By allowing the Board of Regents to establish their own procedures for meetings, it potentially empowers the board to make decisions more quickly and adapt to the demands of university governance. This can lead to a more responsive leadership that can handle issues as they arise without being constrained by overly rigid statutory requirements. Furthermore, this change could remove barriers to timely decision-making, which is critical in an educational environment that requires agility to address rapid changes in higher education.

Summary

Senate Bill 528 aims to amend Section 111.16 of the Texas Education Code, specifically regarding the meetings of the University of Houston System Board of Regents. The bill outlines procedures for regular meetings, and it allows the board to establish rules for the calling of special meetings. These changes reflect an effort to streamline the governance process within the university system and enhance the ability of the board to manage its affairs effectively. By formalizing these processes, the legislation seeks to provide clarity and efficiency in the operation of the university regents.

Contention

While the bill may seem straightforward, there could be concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the governing process. Critics might argue that by allowing the board to set its own rules for calling special meetings, it could reduce opportunities for public oversight and input. The discussions around the bill may explore the balance between efficient governance and the need for community engagement in decision-making processes. This consideration will be crucial to ensure that the operations of the Board of Regents remain open and accountable to the public they serve.