81R2122 KJM-D
 
  By: Martinez H.B. No. 91
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment by The University of Texas System of a
  law school in the Rio Grande Valley.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 75, Education Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapter D to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D. RIO GRANDE VALLEY SCHOOL OF LAW
         Sec. 75.251.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "board" means
  the board of regents of The University of Texas System.
         Sec. 75.252.  RIO GRANDE VALLEY SCHOOL OF LAW. (a)  The
  board may establish and operate as a professional school of The
  University of Texas System a school of law in Cameron County or
  Hidalgo County as the board considers appropriate.
         (b)  In administering the law school, the board may prescribe
  courses leading to customary degrees offered at other leading
  American schools of law and may award those degrees.
         (c)  Before the board establishes a law school under this
  section, but not later than June 1, 2010, the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board shall prepare a feasibility study to determine
  the actions the system must take to obtain accreditation of the law
  school. The coordinating board shall deliver a copy of the study to
  the chair of each legislative standing committee or subcommittee
  with jurisdiction over higher education.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the 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, 2009.