By: Creighton S.B. No. 1295

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to state support for comprehensive regional universities in this state.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 62, Education Code, is amended by adding Subchapter I to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER I. COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL UNIVERSITY FUNDING

Sec. 62.171. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "At-risk student" means an undergraduate student of an eligible institution:

(A) whose score on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) is less than the national mean score of students' scores on that test; or

(B) who has previously received a grant under the federal Pell Grant program or met the Expected Family Contribution(EFC) criterion for a grant under that program.

(2) "Comprehensive regional university" means an institution of higher education that is designated as a doctoral, comprehensive, or master's university under the coordinating board's accountability system.

(3) "Eligible institution" means a comprehensive regional university.

Sec. 62.172. PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to provide funding to each comprehensive regional university to support their mission to serve at-risk students, help meet the state's workforce needs, and enhance their regional economies.

Sec. 62.173. FUNDING. (a) In each state fiscal year, amounts shall be appropriated for purposes of this subchapter to eligible institutions as follows:

(1) a base amount of $500,000 or a greater amount provided by appropriation to each eligible institution; and

(2) $1,000 or a greater amount provided by appropriation for each degree awarded to an at-risk student by an eligible institution.

(b) The number of degrees awarded under Subsection (a)(2) is determined by using the average number of degrees awarded to at-risk students annually by each institution in the three preceding state fiscal years.

(c) An alternative allocation method for this funding may be provided by appropriation.

Sec. 62.174. STUDY AND REPORT. (a) The coordinating board in consultation with a representative group of eligible institutions shall conduct a study of the funding methodology established under Section 62.173 to determine its effectiveness in:

(1) allocating state funds fairly and equitably; and

(2) promoting student success at eligible institutions.

(b) Not later than September 1, 2022, the coordinating board shall submit to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board a written report that includes the study's findings and any recommendations for legislative or other action.

(c) This section expires September 1, 2023.

SECTION 2. (a) The funding for this Act for the state fiscal years ending in 2022 and 2023 is contingent on the legislature providing a specific appropriation for the implementation of this Act in the general appropriations act of the 87th legislature.

(b) This Act takes effect immediately if this Act receives the votes of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, those sections take effect September 1, 2021.