BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 452 89R3207 KJE-D By: Middleton Education K-16 3/18/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Department heads at institutions of higher education control many elements of policy in their departments. Often department heads manage the budget, oversee hiring decisions for the department, oversee student research, build partnerships with industry, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, etc. A department head has broad powers to shape their college at the institution. Many other positions, such as the president of a university, must be confirmed by the managing body of an institution before they are confirmed. The managing body is appointed by the governor allowing for more direct access by the voter to all levels of an institution. S.B. 452 would ensure that the voters have more accountability at all levels in universities by requiring that the governing board of an institution, which is appointed by the governor, confirm a candidate for department head. Allowing for the department heads to more closely reflect the culture and vision that Texans voted for. As proposed, S.B. 452 amends current law relating to requiring the approval of the governing board of a public institution of higher education for the hiring of certain institution employees. 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 Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.3522, as follows: Sec. 51.3522. HIRING OF DEPARTMENT HEAD. (a) Requires the governing board of an institution of higher education to approve or disapprove the hiring of the head of each department at the institution. (b) Prohibits an institution of higher education from hiring a person to act as the head of a department at the institution unless the governing board approves the hire. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 452
89R3207 KJE-D By: Middleton
Education K-16
3/18/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 452
89R3207 KJE-D
By: Middleton
Education K-16
3/18/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Department heads at institutions of higher education control many elements of policy in their departments. Often department heads manage the budget, oversee hiring decisions for the department, oversee student research, build partnerships with industry, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, etc. A department head has broad powers to shape their college at the institution. Many other positions, such as the president of a university, must be confirmed by the managing body of an institution before they are confirmed. The managing body is appointed by the governor allowing for more direct access by the voter to all levels of an institution.
S.B. 452 would ensure that the voters have more accountability at all levels in universities by requiring that the governing board of an institution, which is appointed by the governor, confirm a candidate for department head. Allowing for the department heads to more closely reflect the culture and vision that Texans voted for.
As proposed, S.B. 452 amends current law relating to requiring the approval of the governing board of a public institution of higher education for the hiring of certain institution employees.
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 Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.3522, as follows:
Sec. 51.3522. HIRING OF DEPARTMENT HEAD. (a) Requires the governing board of an institution of higher education to approve or disapprove the hiring of the head of each department at the institution.
(b) Prohibits an institution of higher education from hiring a person to act as the head of a department at the institution unless the governing board approves the hire.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.