TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2247

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2247

Caption

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, the bill allows each participating university system to secure funding through the issuance of bonds backed by their revenue streams, including student tuition charges. The specified amounts allocated for various projects range from millions to over a hundred million dollars per institution, facilitating the construction of dedicated facilities aimed at improving student education and research capabilities. This move is particularly significant in a time when educational institutions are increasingly reliant on robust facilities to attract and retain students, especially in competitive programs.

Summary

SB2247 proposes the issuance of revenue bonds to finance various capital projects at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill aims to enhance the infrastructural capabilities of educational facilities through the funding of construction and improvement projects across multiple universities and colleges within the Texas A&M University System, University of Houston System, Texas State University System, University of North Texas System, and others. The funding is expected to address the growing demand for educational services and facilities, particularly in specialized fields such as STEM and health sciences.

Contention

Although largely seen as a positive step toward enhancing educational infrastructure, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications of such bond issuances. Stakeholders might express apprehension about the long-term debt burden that these projects can impose on institutions, particularly if revenue projections do not meet expectations. Furthermore, the reliance on tuition as a pledge for bond repayment could lead to increased financial pressure on students, sparking debates on the balance between funding necessary infrastructure and the affordability of higher education.

Companion Bills

TX HB2000

Same As Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at certain public institutions of higher education.

Previously Filed As

TX SB847

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso.

TX SB846

Relating to authorizing the insurance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.

TX SB2070

Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

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 SB2369

Relating to the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX HB2832

Relating to the funding of multimodal transportation projects; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX HB5012

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

TX HJR189

Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

TX SB174

Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.

TX HB157

Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.

Similar Bills

TX SB52

Relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education, the oversight of certain capital projects at those institutions, and the designation of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions.

TX HB100

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB150

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1530

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB449

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2000

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1680

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB812

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education; making an appropriation.