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Senate Bill 15 |
Senate Author: Seliger et al. |
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Effective: Vetoed |
House Sponsor: Branch |
Senate Bill 15 amends the Education Code to expand the responsibilities of each governing board of an institution of higher education and the scope of the training required of each board member; to require the publication of each board report, recommendation, or vote on the board's Internet website not later than the end of the next business day after the date of the report, recommendation, or vote; and to prohibit a board member who has not received training on ethics, conflicts of interest, and the role of a board member from voting on certain budgetary or personnel matters.
Senate Bill 15 requires each university system administration, in consultation with the system's governing board, to evaluate the president or other chief executive officer of each component institution and assist the officer in the development and achievement of performance goals and, if necessary based on the president's performance, recommend termination of the president's employment. The bill authorizes a university system's governing board to terminate a president's employment only after receiving a recommendation to that effect but establishes that the board is not required to act on that recommendation. The bill prohibits a governing board from unreasonably or unduly interfering with the day-to-day operations of the institutions under its governance. The bill also specifies expiration dates for the terms of office for regents at Midwestern State University, the University of North Texas System, and the University of Houston.
Reason Given for Veto: "As governor, I have focused on making higher education more affordable, accountable and accessible, and I will continue to support innovative ideas that will improve the quality of our universities.
"Limiting oversight authority of a board of regents, however, is a step in the wrong direction. History has taught us that the lack of board oversight in both the corporate and university settings diminishes accountability and provides fertile ground for organizational malfeasance.
"I am committed to improving higher education and making sure students and taxpayers receive the greatest value for the investment they make in higher education. We have achieved great success to that end, and must continue to build upon it.
"Strengthening our institutions is crucial to keeping Texas competitive and a magnet for business relocation, expansion and start-ups, which provide jobs and allow our citizens to prosper and build better lives for themselves and their families. Texas institutions of higher education have the opportunity to make our state even greater than it is today, and we must insist on finding ways to utilize innovative techniques and technology to make college more attainable for all. By implementing efficiencies designed to improve access and lower the cost to students, including reducing tuition, and providing an accountable and quality education we can prepare our students for a successful future."