BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1223

By: Hughes

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note an inconsistency in the law authorizing suits against The University of Texas at Tyler that the parties suggest places the university on unequal footing relative to other general academic teaching institutions. S.B. 1223 seeks to correct this inconsistency.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

S.B. 1223 amends the Education Code to clarify that venue for a suit against The University of Texas at Tyler is in Smith or Travis County. The bill removes provisions authorizing the board of regents of The University of Texas System to sue and be sued in the name of the institution, authorizing the institution to be impleaded by service of citation on its president, and granting legislative consent to suits against the institution.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.