BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 857
By: Van de Putte
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio seeks tuition revenue bonds of $20 million to build a Center for Academic Medicine and Clinical Research (center) on the university's north campus. The center will provide 110,000 square feet to support clinical trials research and education across al health professions. The center would replace an outdated diagnostic pavilion and allow for efficient consolidation of services from many sites scattered throughout the San Antonio area.
The center is consistent with the university's strategic planning initiative to enhance the clinical mission of the health science center and to provide a state-of-the-art medical education environment. In addition, this facility will heighten the institution's effectiveness in drug development and new biotechnology.
As proposed, S.B. 857 addresses the funding needs of the center to support clinical trial research and education across all health professions.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, by adding Section 55.175, as follows:
Sec. 55.175. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) Authorizes the board of regents (board) of The University of Texas System (UT System), in addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, to acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property, buildings, structures, or other facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, including the Center for Academic Medicine and Clinical Research, to be financed by the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, including bonds issued in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program and secured as provided by that program, in the aggregate principal amount of $20 million.
(b) Authorizes the board to pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by Subsection (a) all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the UT System, including student tuition charges. Prohibits the amount of a pledge made under this subsection from being reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.
(c) Authorizes the board, if sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, to transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the UT System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its constitutional and statutory duties and purposes.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.0572(e), Education Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 61.058(b), Education Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.