By: Creighton, et al. S.B. No. 52

(Bonnen)

Substitute the following for S.B. No. 52: No.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education and the designation of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 55.111 to read as follows:

Sec. 55.111. CERTAIN ALLOCATED FUNDS TO BE DESIGNATED AS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DEBT ASSISTANCE. For purposes of this subchapter, funds allocated from the appropriation of general revenue to an institution of higher education to supplement revenue funds of the institution described by Section 55.13(a) may be designated as "Capital Improvement Debt Assistance."

SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 55.1791, 55.1792, 55.1793, 55.1794, 55.1795, 55.1796, 55.1797, 55.1798, 55.1799, and 55.17991 to read as follows:

Sec. 55.1791. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) The Texas A&M University System, $43,425,406 for construction of a STEM education center at the RELLIS campus;

(2) Prairie View A&M University, $44,922,833 for construction of a teaching and academic student support services facility;

(3) Tarleton State University, $90 million for construction of a College of Health Sciences and Human Services building on the Stephenville campus;

(4) Texas A&M University, $56,153,542 for construction of a clinical veterinary teaching and research complex;

(5) Texas A&M University--Commerce, $44,922,833 for infrastructure upgrades to address accessibility for persons with disabilities and health and safety issues;

(6) Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, $44,922,833 for construction of an arts and media building;

(7) Texas A&M University at Galveston, $33,692,125 for construction of an engineering classroom and research building;

(8) Texas A&M University--Kingsville, $44,922,833 for renovations to address deferred maintenance for campus buildings;

(9) Texas A&M University--Central Texas, $44,922,833 for construction of a central utility plant and infrastructure upgrades;

(10) West Texas A&M University, $44,922,833 for infrastructure upgrades to address health and safety issues and the renovation of an education building;

(11) Texas A&M University--San Antonio, $44,922,833 for construction of a public health and education building;

(12) Texas A&M International University, $44,922,833 for construction of a health science education and research center;

(13) Texas A&M University--Texarkana, $44,922,833 for construction of a business, engineering, and technology building; and

(14) The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center:

(A) $59,897,111 for construction of the Texas Medical Center Building 3 in Houston, Texas; and

(B) $29,948,556 for construction of a nursing education and research center in McAllen, Texas.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of The Texas A&M University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The Texas A&M University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1792. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of The University of Texas System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) The University of Texas System, $56,153,542 for renovation of the Microelectronics Research Center at the J. J. Pickle Research Campus;

(2) The University of Texas at Arlington, $52,409,972 for renovation of the Life Science Building;

(3) The University of Texas at Austin, $56,153,542 for renovation of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building;

(4) The University of Texas at Dallas, $52,409,972 for construction of a student success center;

(5) The University of Texas at El Paso, $52,409,972 for construction of an advanced teaching and learning complex;

(6) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, $44,922,833 for renovation of the Mesa Building and campus transformation;

(7) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, $44,922,833 for construction of a health affairs building;

(8) The University of Texas at San Antonio, $52,409,972 for construction of an Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Careers building;

(9) The University of Texas at Tyler, $44,922,833 for construction of a sciences building;

(10) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, $59,897,111 for construction of a public health education and research building;

(11) The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, $59,897,111 for construction of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases Building;

(12) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler:

(A) $48 million for construction of a health professions education center; and

(B) $10 million for construction of a health professions education center located in Longview, Texas;

(13) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, $59,897,111 for construction of a life sciences research, innovation, and discovery initiative facility;

(14) The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, $59,897,111 for infrastructure and research space upgrades for research buildings; and

(15) UT Southwestern Medical Center, $59,897,111 for construction of the north campus Phase VI Brain Institute shell space.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of The University of Texas System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The University of Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1793. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the University of Houston System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) the University of Houston System:

(A) $52,409,972 for construction of the Katy Academic Building 2; and

(B) $59,897,111 for construction of a medical research facility;

(2) the University of Houston:

(A) $40 million for construction of the Hobby School of Public Affairs Building; and

(B) $52,409,972 for construction of the IDEA Lab;

(3) the University of Houston--Clear Lake, $44,922,833 for renovation of the Bayou Building, the Delta Building, and the Student Services and Classroom Building;

(4) the University of Houston--Downtown, $44,922,833 for renovation of existing buildings and other campus infrastructure upgrades and for the construction of the Police Department and Criminal Justice Academy Building; and

(5) the University of Houston--Victoria, $44,922,833 for renovation of existing buildings and other campus infrastructure upgrades.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the University of Houston System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University of Houston System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1794. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas State University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Texas State University System, $11,230,708 for construction of a field research station and dam repair;

(2) Lamar State College--Orange, $37,435,695 for the replacement of an academic building to house general academic instruction and information technology services;

(3) Lamar State College--Port Arthur, $37,435,695 for construction of an allied health and sciences building;

(4) Lamar Institute of Technology, $37,435,695 for construction of a facility for workforce and allied health programs;

(5) Lamar University, $44,922,833 for renovation of a library;

(6) Sul Ross State University, $26,392,165 for renovation of fine arts facilities;

(7) Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College, $33,119,359 for construction of a multipurpose education and services building;

(8) Sam Houston State University:

(A) $44,922,833 for construction of an allied health building located in Conroe, Texas; and

(B) $44,922,833 for construction of an active learning center located in Huntsville, Texas; and

(9) Texas State University:

(A) $52,409,972 for construction of a STEM classroom building located in San Marcos, Texas; and

(B) $52,409,972 for construction of a health professions building located in Round Rock, Texas.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1795. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the University of North Texas System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) the University of North Texas:

(A) $52,409,472 for construction of a science and technology research building; and

(B) $52,409,472 for construction of a commerce, analytics, technology, and engineering building in Frisco, Texas;

(2) the University of North Texas at Dallas, $100,000,000 for construction of a science building; and

(3) the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, $59,987,111 for campus space optimization and realignment.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the University of North Texas System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University of North Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1796. TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Texas Woman's University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for a health sciences center, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $100 million.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Texas Woman's University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for Texas Woman's University, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1797. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for construction of an interdisciplinary and applied sciences building, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $44,922,833.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Stephen F. Austin State University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for Stephen F. Austin State University, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1798. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Angelo State University, $36 million for a central plant maintenance and renovation;

(2) Texas Tech University, $52,409,972 for renovations to address deferred maintenance for campus buildings;

(3) Midwestern State University, $44,922,833 for renovations to an existing building and other campus infrastructure upgrades;

(4) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

(A) $59,897,111 for maintenance and renovation of an existing facility; and

(B) $18,717,847 for construction and equipment of the physician assistant facility in Midland, Texas; and

(5) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, $59,897,111 for construction of a dental school building.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas Tech University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas Tech University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.1799. TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Texas Southern University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) $22,800,000 for renovation of the Nabrit Building;

(2) $2,400,000 for upgrades to signage and wayfinding;

(3) $40 million for facility maintenance and renovation; and

(4) $30 million for construction of a health and wellness center.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Texas Southern University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for Texas Southern University, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

Sec. 55.17991. TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter for the following entity and institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Texas State Technical College System, $24,932,173 for the East Williamson County Higher Education Center expansion;

(2) Texas State Technical College--Fort Bend, $31,296,241 for Fort Bend County campus expansion;

(3) Texas State Technical College--Harlingen, $28,301,385 for Harlingen campus expansion;

(4) Texas State Technical College--Marshall, $11,230,708 for Marshall campus expansion;

(5) Texas State Technical College--North Texas, $10,107,638 for North Texas campus expansion;

(6) Texas State Technical College--West Texas, $10,107,638 for West Texas campus expansion; and

(7) Texas State Technical College--Waco, $37,435,695 for Waco campus expansion.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State Technical College System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State Technical College System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection (a) for an institution of higher education or entity, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance or infrastructure at the same institution or entity in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the institution or entity under this chapter. The board shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect any authority or restriction regarding the activities that a public institution of higher education may conduct in connection with a facility financed by bonds authorized by this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.