By: Zaffirini, et al. S.B. No. 40

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 55.1781, 55.1782, 55.1783, 55.1784, 55.1785, 55.1786, 55.1787, 55.1788, 55.1789, 55.17891, and 55.17892 to read as follows:

Sec. 55.1781. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Texas A&M University--Commerce, $40 million for a library and technology center;

(2) Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, $65,625,000 for a life sciences research building;

(3) Texas A&M University--Kingsville, $33,600,000 for music building expansion and renovation of Jones Auditorium;

(4) Texas A&M University--Texarkana, $40,250,000 for an academic and laboratory learning center;

(5) West Texas A&M University, $10,500,000 for the Amarillo Center;

(6) The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center:

(A) $7,875,000 for facilities in Round Rock, Texas;

(B) $36 million for a research building in Temple, Texas; and

(C) $80 million for an education center and research building in Dallas, Texas;

(7) Texas A&M International University, $55,125,000 for library renovation, additional instructional spaces, a science center addition, and a support services building;

(8) Prairie View A&M University, $12,800,000 for critical deferred maintenance;

(9) Tarleton State University:

(A) $52 million for the Gates Agriculture and Business Building; and

(B) $12 million for the Midlothian Higher Education Center;

(10) Texas A&M University, $94 million for a biocontainment research facility and music building;

(11) Texas A&M University at Galveston, $40,250,000 for an academic building;

(12) Texas A&M University--Central Texas, $40 million for a science, health science, and wellness building; and

(13) Texas A&M University--San Antonio, $79 million for a science and technology building and central and physical plant.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of The Texas A&M University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The Texas A&M University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

Sec. 55.1782. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of The University of Texas System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) The University of Texas at Austin, $95 million for an engineering education and research center;

(2) The University of Texas at Brownsville or its successor university, $100 million for a new campus in Brownsville;

(3) The University of Texas--Pan American, $82,400,000 for Science Building II;

(4) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, $60 million for north campus Phase VI vivarium and research facilities;

(5) The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, $11,200,000 for a South Texas diabetes institute and for an enhanced performance laboratory of the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies;

(6) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, $50 million for a personalized cancer care building;

(7) The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, $40 million for a health education center;

(8) The University of Texas at Arlington, $64,300,000 for renovation of and addition to a life science building;

(9) The University of Texas at Dallas, $76 million for an engineering building;

(10) The University of Texas at El Paso, $88 million for an interdisciplinary research facility;

(11) The University of Texas at San Antonio, $74,200,000 for an experimental science instructional building;

(12) The University of Texas at Tyler, $38,800,000 for a STEM and business complex and renovation of the business building;

(13) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, $100 million for the renovation and modernization of educational and research facilities;

(14) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, $4,804,000 for the Riter Center Primary Care Training Center renovation; and

(15) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, $48 million for an engineering building.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of The University of Texas System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The University of Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) The bonds for the project specified by Subsection (a)(2) may be issued only if the 83rd Legislature enacts legislation that becomes law creating or authorizing creation of a new component university of The University of Texas System that incorporates the facilities and programs of The University of Texas at Brownsville.

Sec. 55.1783. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the University of Houston System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) the University of Houston, $70 million for a pharmacy and biomedical sciences building;

(2) the University of Houston--Clear Lake, $73,500,000 for a science and academic support building;

(3) the University of Houston--Downtown, $40,687,500 for a science and technology building; and

(4) the University of Houston--Victoria, $75 million for campus expansion.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the University of Houston System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University of Houston System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

Sec. 55.1784. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas State University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Lamar University, $32 million for a science building;

(2) Lamar State College--Orange, $14,222,400 for a multipurpose education building;

(3) Lamar State College--Port Arthur, $2,180,000 for an addition to the allied health building;

(4) Lamar Institute of Technology, $12 million for renovation and replacement of the technical arts buildings;

(5) Texas State University--San Marcos:

(A) $49 million for a medical education and research building in Round Rock, Texas; and

(B) $83 million for an engineering and science building;

(6) Sam Houston State University, $34,693,750 for a biology, nursing, and allied health building; and

(7) Sul Ross State University, $3,400,000 for renovation and modernization of educational and related facilities and infrastructure.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

Sec. 55.1785. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the University of North Texas System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) the University of North Texas System, $56 million for college of law building renovations;

(2) the University of North Texas, $73 million for a college of visual arts and design facility;

(3) the University of North Texas at Dallas, $61,250,000 for a library and student success center; and

(4) the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, $66,600,000 for an interdisciplinary research building.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the University of North Texas System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University of North Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

Sec. 55.1786. TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Texas Woman's University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for a science and technology learning center, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $37,996,928.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Texas Woman's University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

Sec. 55.1787. MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Midwestern State University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for library, College of Education, and information technology facilities at Midwestern State University, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $23,992,000.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Midwestern State University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

Sec. 55.1788. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research building at Stephen F. Austin State University, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $40 million.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Stephen F. Austin State University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

Sec. 55.1789. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

(A) $39,150,000 for Lubbock education, research, and technology facilities;

(B) $86,130,000 for the El Paso Medical Science Building II; and

(C) $16,443,000 for the Permian Basin academic facility;

(2) Texas Tech University, $76,342,500 for a research building; and

(3) Angelo State University, $16,199,400 for a health and human services building.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas Tech University System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas Tech University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

(d) The bonds for the project specified by Subsection (a)(1)(B) may be issued only if the 83rd Legislature enacts legislation that becomes law authorizing creation of a health sciences center in El Paso as a component of the Texas Tech University System.

Sec. 55.17891. TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of Texas Southern University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for the Robert J. Terry Library at Texas Southern University, to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $52,814,129.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of Texas Southern University, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

Sec. 55.17892. TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter for the following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:

(1) Texas State Technical College System, $35 million for the Ellis County Extension Center;

(2) Texas State Technical College--Harlingen, $2,400,000 for Phase II of the Engineering Technology Center renovation;

(3) Texas State Technical College--Marshall, $1,200,000 for renovation of aviation technology facilities; and

(4) Texas State Technical College--Waco, $5 million for water system infrastructure replacement.

(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of those bonds all or any part of the revenue funds of an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State Technical College System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.

(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State Technical College System to ensure the most equitable and efficient allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or entity to carry out its duties and purposes.

SECTION 2. Subsection (e), Section 61.0572, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) Approval of the board is not required to acquire real property that is financed by bonds issued under Section 55.17(e)(3) or (4), 55.1713-55.1718, 55.1721-55.1728, 55.1735(a)(1), 55.174, 55.1742, 55.1743, 55.1744, 55.1751-55.17592, 55.1768, 55.1771, [or] 55.17721, or 55.1781-55.17892, except that the board shall review all real property to be financed by bonds issued under those sections to determine whether the property meets the standards adopted by the board for cost, efficiency, and space use. If the property does not meet those standards, the board shall notify the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the Legislative Budget Board.

SECTION 3. Subsection (b), Section 61.058, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) This section does not apply to construction, repair, or rehabilitation financed by bonds issued under Section 55.17(e)(3) or (4), 55.1713-55.1718, 55.1721-55.1728, 55.174, 55.1742, 55.1743, 55.1744, 55.1751-55.17592, 55.1768, 55.1771, [or] 55.17721, or 55.1781-55.17892, except that the board shall review all construction, repair, or rehabilitation to be financed by bonds issued under those sections to determine whether the construction, rehabilitation, or repair meets the standards adopted by board rule for cost, efficiency, and space use. If the construction, rehabilitation, or repair does not meet those standards, the board shall notify the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the Legislative Budget Board.

SECTION 4. This Act does not affect any authority or restriction regarding the activities that a public institution of higher education may conduct in connection with a facility financed by bonds authorized by this Act.

SECTION 5. 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, 2013.