Texas House Bill HB3492

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a permanent endowment to support the construction, acquisition, improvement, and equipping of buildings, facilities, and other improvements at public junior colleges.

Impact

If enacted, HB3492 would amend the Education Code to introduce Subchapter H under Chapter 62, establishing the Permanent Public Community College Fund. This fund would ensure that money is allocated to public junior colleges based on an equitable formula adopted by the legislature. The bill emphasizes the necessity for eligible institutions to utilize these funds strictly for the purposes outlined in the Texas Constitution, allowing for flexibility in the use of any unspent monies in subsequent fiscal years. This could lead to significant improvements in educational infrastructure at junior colleges across the state.

Summary

House Bill 3492 proposes the establishment of a permanent endowment intended to support the construction, acquisition, improvement, and equipping of buildings and facilities at public junior colleges in Texas. This bill aims to provide a structured and equitable allocation of funds to junior college districts, guided by the resources available under the Texas Constitution. It delineates the responsibilities of the comptroller regarding the distribution of these funds to eligible institutions, ensuring they are used specifically for authorized purposes.

Contention

While the bill may primarily receive support from educational institutions that benefit from improved funding, there may be concerns regarding the equitable allocation formula and how it is to be determined. The effectiveness of these distributions in addressing the varied needs of junior colleges is likely to be a point of contention among stakeholders, including college administrators and policymakers. Additionally, the bill stipulates that its implementation is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment approved by voters, which could influence public perception and support.