SRC-MKV S.J.R. 44 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 44
By: Duncan
Finance
4/5/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the $8.5 billion Permanent University Fund (PUF) is projected to
generate approximately $740 million for the coming biennium.  This
represents an $87 million increase over the previous biennium.  Available
University Fund (AUF) money must first be used to fund administrative
expenses and is then allocated by giving two-thirds of the money to The
University of Texas System (UT System) and one-third to The Texas A&M
University System.  From the AUF, the university systems must first pay
service debts on capital projects funded with PUF bonds and the remaining
amount may be used to provide funding for "excellence programs" exclusively
at the flagship campuses and for system administration.  As proposed,
S.J.R. 44 provides the UT System with greater flexibility to direct
"excellence funds" to all of its general academic institutions eligible for
AUF funding, for the purpose of enhancing programs aimed at elevating
schools to Tier I status. 

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 Sections 18(f), Article VII, Texas Constitution, to add
The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Texas at El Paso, The
University of Texas of the Permian Basin, The University of Texas at San
Antonio, and The University of Texas at Tyler to the list of schools which
receive funds from the available university fund for support and
maintenance of the schools. 

SECTION 2.  Requires that this constitutional amendment be put before the
voters in an election on November 6, 2001.  Requires the ballot be printed
to permit a person to vote for or against the proposition and sets forth
specific wording to be contained on the ballot.