Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB173

Caption

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

Impact

The pass of HB 173 would significantly impact the funding mechanisms for state-funded higher education by providing a structured way for institutions to finance large capital projects. This could lead to enhanced educational environments, modernized facilities that align with current educational demands, and an overall boost in the quality of education provided to students. It also allows institutions the flexibility to utilize revenue from student tuition for bond repayments, which indicates a strategic financial planning direction for these educational entities.

Summary

House Bill 173 is designed to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically outlines the scope of projects eligible for funding, allowing institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas to enhance their facilities, which includes construction and renovation efforts. The specific amounts allocated to each institution are detailed, suggesting a focused approach towards improving educational infrastructure across the state.

Contention

While the bill is poised to facilitate necessary developments within state universities, it could also raise concerns regarding the reliance on student tuition for funding bonds. Critics might argue that this could lead to increased tuition costs, affecting student affordability and accessibility to higher education. Furthermore, there may be discussions around the appropriateness of prioritizing certain projects over others, raising questions about the effectiveness of capital distribution across various institutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 HB2832

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

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 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 HB5012

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

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 HB2639

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.