Honorable David Dewhurst, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB800 by Madla (Relating to the establishment of Texas A&M University--San Antonio and Texas A&M University--Central Texas. ), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill establishes Texas A&M University - San Antonio and Texas A&M University – Central Texas as component institutions of the Texas A&M University System at such time enrollments at the existing Centers reach 2,500 full-time (equivalent) students for one semester. At the current rate of growth the Higher Education Coordinating Board estimates that this will not occur for A&M University –San Antonio or for A&M University – Central Texas until after fiscal year 2009. Therefore, there will be no fiscal impact over the next five years. If and when enrollments meet target levels, and the entities are recognized as institutions of higher education, there will likely be new incremental costs for the state.
As Amended on the House Floor, SB 800 grants bond issuance authority in an aggregate principal amount of $15 million to be used for the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center to develop a biosciences research center in the city of Temple. There is no fiscal impact to the state because the amendment states that the Legislature may not appropriate general revenue to pay or to reimburse the board of Texas A&M University for the payment of, debt service on bonds authorized by the amendment.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.