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.
Impact
If enacted, House Bill 1595 fundamentally alters how state funding is administered to various higher education institutions. It outlines specific parameters for eligibility, emphasizing research performance and the awarding of doctoral degrees. The creation of the Texas University Fund targets institutions that demonstrate consistent investment in research, aiming to elevate them to national prominence. Such funding can significantly influence not only the educational landscape but also the state’s economic development strategy by fostering a highly-skilled workforce and innovative research outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 1595, introduced by Chairman Bonin, focuses on the administration and distribution of funds to support general academic teaching institutions in Texas. The bill aims to create the Texas University Fund, which will provide performance-based funding to eligible academic institutions to enhance their research capabilities. By establishing a structure for financial support, the bill seeks to promote education at major research universities throughout the state, driving both academic excellence and economic growth in Texas.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1595 appears to be favorable among many legislators and stakeholders who support enhanced funding for research institutions. Proponents argue that it is essential for meeting the educational demands of a growing population and ensuring that Texas remains competitive in the higher education sector. However, there remain concerns regarding the exclusion of some institutions from funding eligibility, notably the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, which has generated some contention among lawmakers who fear it may bias funding distribution towards certain universities while neglecting others.
Contention
The notable points of contention include debates on the criteria for eligible institutions, particularly concerning their historical research expenditures and doctoral degree output. Critics point out that the bill's requirements could create disparities in funding opportunities, potentially leaving smaller or less-funded institutions at a disadvantage. Furthermore, concerns arose during discussions about an inflationary adjustment linked to funding eligibility for additional schools, as many legislators advocated for more inclusive criteria to avoid limiting potential beneficiaries of the Texas University Fund.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 62. Constitutional And Statutory Funds To Support Institutions Of Higher Education
Identical
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 HJR3
Enabling for
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 HJR3
Enabling for
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.
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.
Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.
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.
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.
Relating to the academic costs charged to resident undergraduate students by general academic teaching institutions and to certain reports regarding certain costs of those institutions.
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.
Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.
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.