BILL ANALYSIS
By: Coleman
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest institution of higher education in the state of Texas. Currently, the Texas A&M University System board of regents possesses the authority to change the name of the system or of any component institution, agency, or service under it’s control. However, Tarleton State University, a component institution of the Texas A&M University System, is by current statute exempt from this naming provision.
The purpose of this bill is to provide Prairie View A&M University, the same exemption that applies to Tarleton State University. Prairie View A&M wishes to protect its namesake in order to preserve the school’s legacy and rich African American history. This bill would grant the university the ability to have due process if the board of regents considers changing the name of the school.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Section 86.23(b) of the Education Code is amended to exempt Prairie View A&M University from the provision which allows the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents to change the name of any institution, agency, or service under the control and management of the board.
SECTION 2. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote of all 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, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.