Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1843

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

Caption

Relating to the purchase of certain insurance coverage and the performance of related risk management services for the University of Houston System and the component institutions of that system.

Impact

The impact of HB 1843 represents a significant shift in how the University of Houston System manages its insurance needs. By granting the university the autonomy to engage in risk management and insurance procurement independently, it enables the institution to tailor its insurance strategies to its specific requirements without delays associated with board approvals. This change might lead to potentially quicker responses to insurance needs and claims processing, fostering greater efficiency within the university's administrative structures.

Summary

House Bill 1843 pertains to the procurement of certain types of insurance coverage and the execution of associated risk management services specifically for the University of Houston System and its various component institutions. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes within the Texas Labor Code, particularly Section 412.011, which governs the risk management responsibilities of state agencies. Notably, the bill allows the University of Houston System to perform its own risk management services without needing to seek approval from the state board, distinguishing it from other state institutions.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1843 exemplifies legislative efforts to empower specific educational institutions by relaxing regulatory requirements while potentially bringing forth significant discussions about risk management efficacy across state agencies. The bill’s implementation will be closely monitored as it unfolds, particularly to assess its impact on the operational dynamics within the University of Houston System and beyond.

Contention

While the bill is expected to streamline processes for the University of Houston, it may raise concerns regarding oversight and accountability. Critics might argue that allowing an individual institution to operate with less oversight could lead to inconsistent management of risks compared to state-level standards. There may be debates over the adequacy of risk management applied by the university and its capacity to handle significant insurance claims effectively. Moreover, questions regarding the implications for other state agencies that remain under board control could also arise, creating an uneven playing field in how state institutions operate.

Companion Bills

TX SB1181

Identical Relating to the purchase of certain insurance coverage and the performance of related risk management services for the University of Houston System and the component institutions of that system.

Previously Filed As

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

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 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 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 HB4000

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX SB1444

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX SB1758

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

TX HB4814

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

TX HB3487

Relating to certain expenditures by public institutions of higher education and university systems that are eligible for certain tax credits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.