Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1498

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the appropriation of money from the economic stabilization fund for maintenance and repairs at institutions of higher education.

Impact

If passed, HB1498 would provide a much-needed financial boost to institutions that have reported deferred maintenance needs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with distributing these funds proportionately based on the extent of the deferred maintenance identified in a 2012 report. This effective allocation strategy emphasizes not only the necessity of addressing immediate physical concerns but also the long-term sustainability of higher education facilities in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1498 is focused on addressing the significant need for maintenance and repairs at institutions of higher education in Texas. It proposes the appropriation of $500 million from the economic stabilization fund explicitly for the purpose of funding deferred maintenance projects at various academic and health-related institutions. The bill highlights a growing concern regarding the state of facilities and infrastructure within the education system and aims to allocate resources where they are most critically needed.

Contention

While the bill aims to support educational institutions, it may also spark discussions regarding budget priorities and the effectiveness of using the economic stabilization fund for such purposes. Some stakeholders might question whether funds could be better utilized elsewhere or if this is a sustainable model for addressing ongoing maintenance issues. Additionally, concerns may arise about the transparency of the allocation process and whether all institutions are equitably served by this funding mechanism.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB30

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HB5227

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund and to the management and investment of the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the Texas legacy distribution fund.

TX HB500

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HB1392

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HB2207

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1595

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.

TX HB2

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including the establishment of a school safety grant program and a school safety plan implementation grant program, and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the state school safety fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.