Relating to the establishment of the University of Houston-Katy campus and authorization for the issuance of revenue bonds to fund an academic building at the campus.
Impact
A key component of HB3323 is the authorization for the issuance of revenue bonds not exceeding $58,540,000 to fund the construction of an academic building on the new campus. This financial mechanism is critical as it enables the allocation of necessary resources while guaranteeing the University’s long-term sustainability. The board of regents will have the authority to secure these bonds through the university's revenue streams, which may include student tuition, thus seamlessly integrating financial management with educational development.
Summary
House Bill 3323 is focused on the establishment of the University of Houston-Katy, an institution designed to enhance higher education access in the Harris County area. The bill outlines the necessary legislative framework to create this coeducational institution, which will be under the governance of the University of Houston System. Located on designated land, the University of Houston-Katy aims to provide both undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing to the educational landscape of the region and responding to local demands for higher education facilities.
Contention
While the bill was designed to address the growing educational needs in the area, discussions may arise regarding the financial implications and oversight of the issued bonds. Stakeholders may express concerns about how these bonds are managed and the potential impact on tuition rates and taxpayer obligations. Additionally, there may be issues surrounding land acquisition and community integration as the University of Houston-Katy develops its role within the local educational sector.
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.
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 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.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
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.
Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.