84R6684 SGA-D By: Smithee H.B. No. 3842 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to an agreement to finance and build a conference center and other appropriate facilities in or near a state park. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 13, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Section 13.0046 to read as follows: Sec. 13.0046. COOPERATION WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code. (b) The commission may enter into a joint agreement with the governing board of an institution of higher education to finance and build a conference center and other appropriate related facilities to be located in or near a state park. (c) A facility built under this section must be operated cooperatively to provide benefits to the department and the institution of higher education in accomplishing the purposes of the department and the institution. (d) The commission and an institution of higher education may use any funds, property, or other assets available to finance and build a facility under this section. SECTION 2. This Act applies only to an agreement entered into on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.