Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3444

Caption

Relating to the reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or other malfeasance in the use of public resources by public and private institutions of higher education for the purpose of compliance monitoring by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 61.035 of the Education Code, requiring institutions to collaborate with internal audit offices and notify the THECB about audits related to funds administered by the board. Additionally, it introduces new subsections that specify the obligations of institutions regarding reporting these allegations, ultimately aiming to build a more robust framework for overseeing financial activities and to promote greater institutional integrity.

Summary

House Bill 3444 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within public and private institutions of higher education in Texas by mandating the reporting of allegations related to fraud, waste, abuse, or other forms of malfeasance regarding the use of public resources. The bill seeks to ensure that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is notified of any relevant audits and allegations, thereby facilitating better compliance monitoring of how funds allocated by the board are managed and spent.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to guard against financial mismanagement and substance abuse of public resources, there are concerns about the potential for increased bureaucratic oversight. Critics have suggested that imposing stringent reporting requirements may burden institutions, particularly smaller private colleges that may not have the same resources as larger universities. This has led to debates about the balance between effective oversight and the autonomy of educational institutions.

Companion Bills

TX SB1756

Same As Relating to the reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or other malfeasance in the use of public resources by public and private institutions of higher education for the purpose of compliance monitoring by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5126

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to publish certain online resources.

TX SB2519

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to publish certain online resources.

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX SB336

Relating to compliance programs at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4880

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education; providing a private cause of action.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB3676

Relating to the creation of a rural dual credit pilot program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

TX SB2029

Relating to the administration of the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.