84R6718 JSL-D By: Price H.B. No. 3261 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for capital projects at West Texas A&M University. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 55.17812 to read as follows: Sec. 55.17812. WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted under this subchapter, the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for West Texas A&M University for the following projects to be financed by the issuance of bonds in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program and secured as provided by that program, in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed: (1) $43 million for construction of an agricultural sciences complex; and (2) $10 million for renovation of the Amarillo Center. (b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of the bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of The Texas A&M University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding. (c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The Texas A&M University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes. (d) Any portion of the proceeds of bonds authorized by this section that is not required for the specific project for which the bonds are authorized may be used to renovate existing structures and facilities at West Texas A&M University. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2015.