BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1085 89R216 JTZ-D By: Blanco Education K-16 3/31/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT The Middle Rio Grande Region currently lacks sufficient opportunities in higher-education for its population, resulting in prospective students leaving the region to attend universities in other parts of the state and country, which has created a serious drain of qualified talent in the region. S.B. 1085 would address this problem by expanding higher education access for local residents. Specifically, the bill would allow the expansion of Sul Ross State University to provide courses that count toward earning a bachelor's degree at the university's satellite campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. S.B. 1085 has a companion bill, H.B. 1022. Analysis S.B. 1085 will amend Section 96.01 of the Education Code to allow Sul Ross State University's satellite campuses in the cities of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde to offer bachelor's degree programs. Fiscal Impact No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. As proposed, S.B. 1085 amends current law relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 96.01, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 96.01. SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY. Provides that Sul Ross State University is a coeducational institution of higher education located in the city of Alpine, with an educational center, rather than an upper-level educational center, known as Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College operated in the cities of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning January 1, 2028. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1085
89R216 JTZ-D By: Blanco
Education K-16
3/31/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1085
89R216 JTZ-D
By: Blanco
Education K-16
3/31/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Middle Rio Grande Region currently lacks sufficient opportunities in higher-education for its population, resulting in prospective students leaving the region to attend universities in other parts of the state and country, which has created a serious drain of qualified talent in the region. S.B. 1085 would address this problem by expanding higher education access for local residents. Specifically, the bill would allow the expansion of Sul Ross State University to provide courses that count toward earning a bachelor's degree at the university's satellite campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. S.B. 1085 has a companion bill, H.B. 1022.
Analysis
S.B. 1085 will amend Section 96.01 of the Education Code to allow Sul Ross State University's satellite campuses in the cities of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde to offer bachelor's degree programs.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
As proposed, S.B. 1085 amends current law relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 96.01, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 96.01. SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY. Provides that Sul Ross State University is a coeducational institution of higher education located in the city of Alpine, with an educational center, rather than an upper-level educational center, known as Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College operated in the cities of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde.
SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning January 1, 2028.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.