Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB907

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System and to workers' compensation coverage for employees of the system's components.

Impact

The passage of SB907 results in significant changes to state laws concerning the governance of higher education institutions in Texas. By consolidating the powers of the board of regents, this legislative act seeks to streamline operations and ensure better oversight of the university system. Furthermore, enhancing workers' compensation coverage for employees of affiliated institutions could lead to improved job security and workplace safety, which is expected to have positive implications for employee recruitment and retention within the system.

Summary

SB907 aims to clarify and enhance the powers and duties of the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System, as well as to outline workers' compensation coverage for its employees. Key amendments include provisions allowing the board to accept and manage gifts and donations, which could increase funding opportunities for the university system. Additionally, the bill redefines the Texas Tech University System Administration and Health Sciences Center as state agencies eligible for workers' compensation, thereby improving employee benefits and protections under Texas law.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB907 appears to be largely positive among university administrators and the board of regents, who view it as a progressive step towards better management and support of education in Texas. Proponents argue that the bill reflects a commitment to higher education and recognizes the essential role of university employees. However, there may be some reservation noted from segments concerned about the efficiency of governance or the implications of expanded powers granted to a single board.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential perception of increased centralization of authority within the Texas Tech University System. Some critics might argue that consolidating governance in the hands of the board of regents could diminish local autonomy or overlook specific needs of the various campuses and their communities. Additionally, the aspects involving workers' compensation could spark discussions on the adequacy of benefits being offered versus what employees require or deserve.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB2639

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 SB1758

Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.

TX HR46

Congratulating Dr. Sharron Forest on her receipt of a 2023 Outstanding Teaching Award from The University of Texas System Board of Regents.

TX HB4814

Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.

TX HJR201

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of career and technical education programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System, the Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

TX HB4462

Relating to transferring data analysis and certain reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Texas Tech University System.

Similar Bills

TX SB2430

Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil and administrative penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1871

Relating to a contracted services program for certain students with a severe pervasive developmental disorder or a severe intellectual disability.

TX SB1325

Relating to the administration of the Texas Save and Match Program to assist qualifying beneficiaries under the state's prepaid tuition unit program and college savings plans and to the treatment of a beneficiary's assets under a prepaid tuition program or a college savings plan in determining eligibility for student financial assistance and other assistance programs.