Texas House Bill HB1103

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to space utilization and online enrollment requirements for the issuance of revenue bonds by certain public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The impact of HB1103 is significant for public institutions of higher education as it links their ability to issue revenue bonds directly to their performance regarding space utilization and online course enrollment. This change is expected to encourage institutions to improve their educational facilities' usage efficiency and expand their online program offerings. As a result, the bill may drive institutions to enhance their infrastructure and adapt to the growing demand for online education, aligning with current educational trends.

Summary

House Bill 1103 addresses the requirements for the issuance of revenue bonds by certain public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 55.13 of the Education Code by introducing new subsections that establish criteria related to space utilization in educational facilities and the percentage of student enrollment in online courses. This legislation is aimed at ensuring that institutions meet specific standards before they can issue bonds, thereby fostering better management of resources in higher education.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve accountability and performance among educational institutions, it may raise concerns regarding the potential limitations it imposes on institutions with traditionally lower online enrollment or that struggle with space utilization metrics. Critics could argue that tying bond issuance to these specific metrics could inadvertently restrict funding opportunities for institutions that serve a diverse range of students or those that are in the process of transitioning to more online offerings. Stakeholders may express differing opinions on how these standards are measured and enforced.