Texas House Bill HB1840

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement for a report by a state agency on the request for a study from an institution of higher education.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1840 is expected to streamline the communication process between state agencies and the legislature. By requiring detailed reports on study requests, the bill aims to ensure that lawmakers are informed about the intent and financial implications of such studies. This could lead to improved oversight over expenditures and the effective use of state funds allocated to higher education research.

Summary

House Bill 1840 establishes new reporting requirements for state agencies requesting studies from institutions of higher education. The bill mandates that within 30 days of making such a request, the agency must submit a report to the legislature detailing the subject and purpose of the study, the institution involved, and the anticipated cost of the study. This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the use of state resources for educational studies.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits in terms of oversight and accountability, it may also raise concerns over the bureaucracy it introduces. Some stakeholders in the education sector might view these additional reporting requirements as a hindrance to efficient collaboration between state agencies and educational institutions. Critics may point to the possibility of delaying important research initiatives or the perception of government overreach in the academic sphere.