Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SJR9

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of SJR9 is expected to have significant implications for state funding dynamics. By redistributing income from the PUF, the bill potentially increases resources available for a variety of public higher education institutions beyond just The University of Texas System. This change could help address funding disparities and enable institutions to better meet the diverse needs of their student populations. However, any reduction in the resources allocated to The University of Texas System may raise concerns regarding its operational capacity and initiatives, which historically have been powered by a sizable share of the PUF income.

Summary

SJR9 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restructuring the financial management of The University of Texas System's share of the income derived from the Permanent University Fund (PUF). The bill seeks to reduce the system's share of this income and redistribute a portion of it to both the National Research University Fund and the General Revenue Fund. This shift in allocation is intended to enhance support and maintenance for public institutions of higher education within Texas, thereby improving overall educational funding and opportunities throughout the state. The proposal reflects a strategic move to bolster funding for research universities, aligning with broader goals of increasing research capacity and educational support.

Contention

SJR9 has sparked debates among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the balance between state-wide funding equity and maintaining strong support for established institutions like The University of Texas System. Proponents argue that this restructuring is necessary for fostering a competitive research environment throughout Texas, while opponents express concerns that it may dilute the funding strength of larger university systems, potentially compromising their capabilities and outreach. The tension encapsulated in the discussions around this amendment highlights broader themes of educational investment priorities and the strategic development of Texas' higher education landscape.

Companion Bills

TX HJR9

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR189

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 SJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX SB19

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.

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 HJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.

TX SJR5

TX SB1058

Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.

TX HB3619

Relating to prohibiting the investment of the permanent university fund, the national research university fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial companies that boycott certain energy companies.

TX SB1489

Similar Bills

TX HJR189

TX HJR9

TX SJR14

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, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

TX HJR24

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, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1560

Relating to university funding, including university funding for excellence, the national research university fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

TX HB4453

Relating to the national research university fund and the allocation of amounts appropriated from the fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

TX HJR139

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.