87R5706 MM-D
By: Morales of Maverick H.B. No. 2085
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a feasibility study regarding establishing a four-year
institution of higher education in the Texas-Mexico border region.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.06696 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.06696. STUDY REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF FOUR-YEAR
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER REGION. (a)
The board shall conduct a study to examine the need for and
feasibility of establishing a four-year institution of higher
education in the Texas-Mexico border region served by Sul Ross
State University Rio Grande College.
(b) The study must identify and examine:
(1) the impact of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande
College on the region, including;
(A) the number of students served by Sul Ross
State University Rio Grande College; and
(B) the graduation rates of students served by
Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College;
(2) the challenges related to the distance between the
campuses of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College and Sul
Ross State University;
(3) the gaps in educational opportunities that exist
for students in the region and the effect of those gaps on local
employers; and
(4) the feasibility of establishing an institution
described by Subsection (a) in the city of Eagle Pass.
(c) The board shall prepare a written report that:
(1) identifies the challenges related to establishing
a new institution of higher education in the region;
(2) includes recommendations for legislative or other
action; and
(3) includes any other matter the board considers
appropriate.
(d) Not later than December 1, 2022, the board shall submit
the written report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the
speaker of the house of representatives, and the chair of each
standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over higher
education.
(e) This section expires September 1, 2023.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.