Relating to the powers and duties of the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System.
Impact
The proposed changes are designed to enhance the operational capacity and authority of the Board of Regents. By expanding the board's powers, particularly concerning mineral development and the acceptance of various funding sources, the legislation aims to increase revenue potential for the Texas Tech University System. This alteration could significantly influence how the university engages in mineral leases, providing a structured framework to manage those assets effectively, contributing to the overall sustainability and financial health of the institution.
Summary
Senate Bill 986 pertains to the powers and duties of the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System. It proposes amendments and transfers certain sections of the Education Code related to the governance and operational authority of the university system, emphasizing more significant roles in managing lands and resources. The bill allows the board to accept various donations and grants, establishing financial flexibility intended to bolster the operations of the Texas Tech University System and its multiple institutions, including the Health Sciences Center.
Contention
Notably, reactions to SB986 may arise from stakeholders concerned about the broadening of the board's powers. The amendments could ignite discussions regarding governance and accountability within the educational system, primarily if the provisions lead to conflicts over land management or the diversification of revenue streams. Additionally, the bill's allowance for the board to prioritize its interests could prompt scrutiny regarding the selection process for accepting gifts and donations, raising questions about transparency and appropriateness.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
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.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of career and technical education programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System, the Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.
Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil and administrative penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the administration of the Texas Save and Match Program to assist qualifying beneficiaries under the state's prepaid tuition unit program and college savings plans and to the treatment of a beneficiary's assets under a prepaid tuition program or a college savings plan in determining eligibility for student financial assistance and other assistance programs.
Relating to contracts with and the acceptance of money from certain foreign sources by public schools and public institutions of higher education; providing civil penalties.
Relating to contracts with and the acceptance of money from certain foreign sources by public schools and public institutions of higher education; providing administrative penalties.