Relating to funding for agricultural research and programs at Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University.
Impact
The implementation of HB2465 is expected to have a significant impact on the funding structures of agricultural programs within Texas. By enforcing a ratio for state matching funds to federal grants, the bill attempts to eliminate disparities that may currently favor one institution over the other. The effective date of the bill is set for September 1, 2025, allowing for a transition period for the universities to adapt to the new funding guidelines, which could result in a more balanced approach to agricultural education and research throughout the state.
Summary
House Bill 2465 aims to establish a framework for equitable funding for agricultural research and extension programs at Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University. The bill introduces a new section to the Education Code that prohibits Texas A&M from utilizing state appropriations for agricultural research that would create an unequal ratio of state to federal funding compared to Prairie View A&M. This change seeks to ensure that both institutions have access to equal funding opportunities, thereby enhancing their ability to conduct research and development in the agricultural sector.
Contention
While the bill aims to promote equity among the state's land grant universities, it may provoke discussions regarding the specific funding needs and capacities of each institution. Proponents of the bill argue that equitable funding will lead to better agricultural programs and outcomes across Texas. However, there may be concerns from stakeholders about how this newfound equality in funding will truly be reflected in resource allocation, research quality, and overall impact on Texas's agricultural landscape.
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.
Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.
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.
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.
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.
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.