Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2755

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the higher education fund, the management of investments of the permanent university fund, and the allocation and distribution of certain constitutional revenues to the University of Houston.

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to significantly reinforce the financial framework supporting the University of Houston. By enabling specific amendments that address the allocation of funds, the bill aims to secure a more stable income source for the institution. Additionally, the proposed changes to investment management represent a shift in accountability, ensuring that the board overseeing these resources reflects expertise in financial management. This could potentially lead to enhanced revenue generation through improved investment strategies.

Summary

House Bill 2755 seeks to amend various provisions within the Texas Education Code related to the higher education fund and the management of the Permanent University Fund (PUF). A primary objective of the bill is the allocation and distribution of constitutional revenues to the University of Houston. This act modifies previously established legislative measures to emphasize the University of Houston's role in higher education funding by adhering investment practices that align with institutional standards and contributions.

Conclusion

In summary, HB 2755 represents a notable step toward reshaping the financial landscape for the University of Houston within the Texas higher education system. While the bill's proponents advocate for its potential to optimize fund distribution and management, the discussions surrounding its implications reveal an ongoing dialogue about educational equity and resource allocation.

Contention

There are points of contention related to the changes in investment oversight and fund allocation, particularly concerning the balance of equity among competing institutions receiving support from the Permanent University Fund. Critics may argue that these amendments favor the University of Houston disproportionately at the expense of other institutions, potentially stirring debate about fairness and representation in higher education funding. The implications of these changes could spark discussions among educational stakeholders regarding the prioritization of funds and institutional equity.

Companion Bills

TX HJR115

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle the University of Houston to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB2639

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.

TX SB1055

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.

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 SJR26

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.

TX SB1058

Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.

TX SJR81

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.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.