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AN ACT
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relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects |
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at public institutions of higher education, the oversight of |
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certain capital projects at those institutions, and the designation |
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of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 55.111 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 55.111. CERTAIN ALLOCATED FUNDS TO BE DESIGNATED AS |
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CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROJECTS. For purposes of this |
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subchapter, funds allocated from the appropriation of general |
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revenue or federal funds to an institution of higher education to |
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supplement revenue funds of the institution described by Section |
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55.13(a) may be designated as "Capital Construction Assistance |
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Projects." |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Sections 55.1791, 55.1792, 55.1793, 55.1794, |
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55.1795, 55.1796, 55.1797, 55.1798, 55.1799, and 55.17991 to read |
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as follows: |
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Sec. 55.1791. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL |
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BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this |
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subchapter, the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System |
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may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or |
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equip property and facilities, including roads and related |
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infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of |
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bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a |
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systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the |
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following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate |
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principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows: |
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(1) The Texas A&M University System, $43,425,406 for |
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construction of a STEM education center at the RELLIS campus; |
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(2) Prairie View A&M University, $44,922,833 for |
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construction of a teaching and academic student support services |
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facility; |
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(3) Tarleton State University: |
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(A) $65 million for construction of a College of |
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Health Sciences and Human Services building on the Stephenville |
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campus; and |
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(B) $25 million for expansion of the Fort Worth |
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campus; |
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(4) Texas A&M University, $56,153,542 for |
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construction of a clinical veterinary teaching and research |
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complex; |
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(5) Texas A&M University--Commerce, $44,922,833 for |
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an Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center; |
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(6) Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, $44,922,833 |
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for construction of an arts and media building; |
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(7) Texas A&M University at Galveston, $33,692,125 for |
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construction of an engineering classroom and research building; |
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(8) Texas A&M University--Kingsville, $44,922,833 for |
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renovations to address deferred maintenance for campus buildings; |
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(9) Texas A&M University--Central Texas, $44,922,833 |
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for construction of a central utility plant and infrastructure |
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upgrades; |
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(10) West Texas A&M University, $44,922,833 for |
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infrastructure upgrades to address health and safety issues and the |
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renovation of an education building; |
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(11) Texas A&M University--San Antonio, $44,922,833 |
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for construction of a public health and education building; |
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(12) Texas A&M International University, $44,922,833 |
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for construction of a health science education and research center; |
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(13) Texas A&M University--Texarkana, $44,922,833 for |
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construction of a business, engineering, and technology building; |
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and |
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(14) The Texas A&M University System Health Science |
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Center: |
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(A) $69,897,111 for construction of the Texas |
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Medical Center Building 3 in Houston, Texas; and |
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(B) $29,948,556 for construction of a nursing |
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education and research center in McAllen, Texas. |
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(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds |
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authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of |
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an institution, branch, or entity of The Texas A&M University |
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System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge |
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made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the |
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bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those |
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bonds, are outstanding. |
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(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to |
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meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer |
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funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The Texas A&M |
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University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient |
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allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or |
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entity to carry out its duties and purposes. |
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(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
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(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
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system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
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subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
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infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
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system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
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for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
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the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
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shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
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alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
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(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
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Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
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receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
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Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
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project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
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Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
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than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
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|
request. |
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Sec. 55.1792. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL |
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BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this |
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subchapter, the board of regents of The University of Texas System |
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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 |
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principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows: |
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(1) The University of Texas System, $56,153,542 for |
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renovation of the Microelectronics Research Center at the |
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J. J. Pickle Research Campus; |
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(2) The University of Texas at Arlington, $52,409,972 |
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for renovation of the Life Science Building; |
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(3) The University of Texas at Austin, $56,153,542 for |
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renovation of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building; |
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(4) The University of Texas at Dallas, $52,409,972 for |
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construction of a student success center; |
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(5) The University of Texas at El Paso, $52,409,972 |
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for construction of an advanced teaching and learning complex; |
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(6) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, |
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$44,922,833 for renovation of the Mesa Building and campus |
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transformation; |
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(7) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, |
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$44,922,833 for construction of a health affairs building; |
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(8) The University of Texas at San Antonio, |
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$52,409,972 for construction of an Innovation, Entrepreneurship, |
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and Careers building; |
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(9) The University of Texas at Tyler, $44,922,833 for |
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construction of a sciences building; |
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(10) The University of Texas Health Science Center at |
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Houston, $69,897,111 for construction of a public health education |
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and research building; |
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(11) The University of Texas Health Science Center at |
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San Antonio, $59,897,111 for construction of the Glenn Biggs |
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Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases Building; |
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(12) The University of Texas Health Science Center at |
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Tyler: |
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(A) $48 million for construction of a health |
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professions education center; and |
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(B) $10 million for construction of a health |
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professions education center located in Longview, Texas; |
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(13) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer |
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Center, $69,897,111 for construction of a life sciences research, |
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innovation, and discovery initiative facility; |
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(14) The University of Texas Medical Branch at |
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Galveston, $59,897,111 for infrastructure and research space |
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upgrades for research buildings; and |
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(15) UT Southwestern Medical Center, $59,897,111 for |
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construction of the north campus Phase VI Brain Institute shell |
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space. |
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(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds |
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authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of |
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an institution, branch, or entity of The University of Texas |
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System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge |
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made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the |
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bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those |
|
|
bonds, are outstanding. |
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(c) If sufficient funds are not available to the board to |
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meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer |
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funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The University |
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of Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient |
|
|
allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or |
|
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entity to carry out its duties and purposes. |
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(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
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(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
|
|
system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
|
|
subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
|
|
infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
|
|
system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
|
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for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
|
|
the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
|
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shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
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alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
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|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
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|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
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receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
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than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
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request. |
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Sec. 55.1793. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL |
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BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this |
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subchapter, the board of regents of the University of Houston |
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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, |
|
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as follows: |
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(1) the University of Houston System, $59,897,111 for |
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construction of a medical research facility; |
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(2) the University of Houston: |
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(A) $40 million for construction of the Hobby |
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School of Public Affairs Building; |
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(B) $52,409,972 for construction of the IDEA Lab; |
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and |
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(C) $52,409,972 for construction of the Sugar |
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Land Academic Building 2; |
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(3) the University of Houston--Clear Lake, |
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$44,922,833 for renovation of the Bayou Building, the Delta |
|
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Building, and the Student Services and Classroom Building; |
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(4) the University of Houston--Downtown, $44,922,833 |
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for renovation of existing buildings and other campus |
|
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infrastructure upgrades and for the construction of the Police |
|
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Department and Criminal Justice Academy Building; and |
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(5) the University of Houston--Victoria, $44,922,833 |
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for renovation of existing buildings and other campus |
|
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infrastructure upgrades. |
|
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(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds |
|
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authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of |
|
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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. |
|
|
(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
|
|
system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
|
|
subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
|
|
infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
|
|
system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
|
|
for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
|
|
the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
|
|
shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
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Sec. 55.1794. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL |
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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: |
|
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(1) Texas State University System, $11,230,708 for |
|
|
construction of a field research station and dam repair; |
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|
(2) Lamar State College--Orange, $37,435,695 for the |
|
|
replacement of an academic building to house general academic |
|
|
instruction and information technology services; |
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(3) Lamar State College--Port Arthur, $37,435,695 for |
|
|
construction of an allied health and sciences building; |
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|
(4) Lamar Institute of Technology, $37,435,695 for |
|
|
construction of a facility for workforce and allied health |
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programs; |
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(5) Lamar University, $44,922,833 for renovation of a |
|
|
library; |
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(6) Sam Houston State University: |
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(A) $44,922,833 for construction of an allied |
|
|
health building located in Conroe, Texas; and |
|
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(B) $44,922,833 for construction of an active |
|
|
learning center located in Huntsville, Texas; and |
|
|
(7) Texas State University: |
|
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(A) $111,921,496 for construction of a STEM |
|
|
classroom building located in San Marcos, Texas; and |
|
|
(B) $52,409,972 for construction of a health |
|
|
professions building located in Round Rock, Texas. |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
|
|
system the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
|
|
subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
|
|
infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
|
|
system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
|
|
for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
|
|
the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
|
|
shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.1795. 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, $113,400,000 for |
|
|
construction of a science and technology research building; |
|
|
(2) the University of North Texas at Dallas, |
|
|
$100,000,000 for construction of a science building; and |
|
|
(3) the University of North Texas Health Science |
|
|
Center at Fort Worth, $59,897,111 for campus space optimization and |
|
|
realignment. |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
|
|
system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
|
|
subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
|
|
infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
|
|
system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
|
|
for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
|
|
the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
|
|
shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.1796. TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS. |
|
|
(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 |
|
|
health sciences center, to be financed through the issuance of |
|
|
bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the |
|
|
aggregate principal amount of $100 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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for Texas Woman's University, the board may finance in the |
|
|
manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for |
|
|
deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the |
|
|
university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount |
|
|
authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects |
|
|
authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall |
|
|
notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(d) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.1797. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY; |
|
|
ADDITIONAL BONDS. (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 construction of an interdisciplinary |
|
|
and applied sciences building, to be financed through the issuance |
|
|
of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the |
|
|
aggregate principal amount of $44,922,833. |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for Stephen F. Austin State University, the board may finance in |
|
|
the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for |
|
|
deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the |
|
|
university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount |
|
|
authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects |
|
|
authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall |
|
|
notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(d) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.1798. 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) Angelo State University, $36 million for a central |
|
|
plant maintenance and renovation; |
|
|
(2) Texas Tech University: |
|
|
(A) $72 million for renovations to address |
|
|
deferred maintenance for campus buildings; and |
|
|
(B) $8 million for maintenance and program |
|
|
enhancement construction in Junction, Texas; |
|
|
(3) Midwestern State University, $44,922,833 for |
|
|
renovations to an existing building and other campus infrastructure |
|
|
upgrades; |
|
|
(4) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: |
|
|
(A) $59,897,111 for maintenance and renovation |
|
|
of an existing facility; and |
|
|
(B) $18,717,847 for construction and equipment |
|
|
of the physician assistant facility in Midland, Texas; and |
|
|
(5) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El |
|
|
Paso, $59,897,111 for construction of a dental school 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) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university |
|
|
system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that |
|
|
subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance, |
|
|
infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or |
|
|
system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized |
|
|
for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for |
|
|
the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board |
|
|
shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.1799. 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 |
|
|
projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance |
|
|
with this subchapter, not to exceed the following aggregate |
|
|
principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows: |
|
|
(1) $22,800,000 for renovation of the Nabrit Building; |
|
|
(2) $2,400,000 for upgrades to signage and wayfinding; |
|
|
(3) $40 million for facility maintenance and |
|
|
renovation; and |
|
|
(4) $30 million for construction of a health and |
|
|
wellness center. |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(c) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for Texas Southern University, the board may finance in the |
|
|
manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for |
|
|
deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the |
|
|
university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount |
|
|
authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects |
|
|
authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall |
|
|
notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(d) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 55.17991. 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 entity |
|
|
and institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal |
|
|
amounts for the projects specified, as follows: |
|
|
(1) Texas State Technical College System, $33,300,000 |
|
|
for the East Williamson County Higher Education Center expansion; |
|
|
(2) Texas State Technical College--Fort Bend, |
|
|
$41,800,000 for Fort Bend County campus expansion; |
|
|
(3) Texas State Technical College--Harlingen, |
|
|
$37,800,000 for Harlingen campus expansion; |
|
|
(4) Texas State Technical College--Marshall, $15 |
|
|
million for Marshall campus expansion; |
|
|
(5) Texas State Technical College--North Texas, $13.5 |
|
|
million for North Texas campus expansion; |
|
|
(6) Texas State Technical College--West Texas, $13.5 |
|
|
million for West Texas campus expansion; and |
|
|
(7) Texas State Technical College--Waco, $53,600,000 |
|
|
for Waco 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 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. |
|
|
(d) In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection |
|
|
(a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or system, the |
|
|
board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an |
|
|
alternative project for deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or |
|
|
construction at the same institution, entity, or system in an |
|
|
amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the |
|
|
project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the |
|
|
institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board shall |
|
|
notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an |
|
|
alternative project financed as provided by this subsection. |
|
|
(e) For financing of an alternative project as provided by |
|
|
Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must |
|
|
receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative |
|
|
project is considered approved unless the governor or the |
|
|
Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later |
|
|
than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the |
|
|
request. |
|
|
SECTION 3. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is |
|
|
amended by adding Section 55.165 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 55.165. OVERSIGHT OF CERTAIN CAPITAL PROJECTS. (a) |
|
|
This section applies only to a capital project for which the |
|
|
issuance of bonds is specifically authorized under this chapter on |
|
|
or after October 1, 2021. |
|
|
(b) Notwithstanding Section 2262.002(a), Government Code, |
|
|
or any other law, a project to which this section applies is subject |
|
|
to oversight by the contract advisory team in accordance with |
|
|
Subchapter C, Chapter 2262, Government Code, and the governing |
|
|
board of the institution of higher education or university system |
|
|
for which a project was authorized shall consult the contract |
|
|
advisory team before expending any funds for purposes of the |
|
|
project. The contract advisory team shall consider the model |
|
|
guidelines for procurement and construction developed by the |
|
|
capital project oversight advisory commission established by |
|
|
S.B. 52, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2021, when |
|
|
consulting with a governing board for purposes of this subsection. |
|
|
(c) Notwithstanding Section 322.020(f), Government Code, or |
|
|
any other law, the governing board of an institution of higher |
|
|
education or university system authorized to issue bonds for a |
|
|
project to which this section applies shall report any major |
|
|
contract as defined by Section 322.020(a), Government Code, that is |
|
|
entered into for purposes of the project to the major contracts |
|
|
database maintained by the Legislative Budget Board under Section |
|
|
322.020, Government Code, not later than the 30th day after the date |
|
|
the contract is executed. |
|
|
SECTION 4. CAPITAL PROJECT OVERSIGHT ADVISORY COMMISSION. |
|
|
(a) The Capital Project Oversight Advisory Commission is composed |
|
|
of nine members as follows: |
|
|
(1) the chair of the Senate Committee on Higher |
|
|
Education; |
|
|
(2) one member of the senate appointed by the |
|
|
lieutenant governor; |
|
|
(3) the chair of the House Committee on Higher |
|
|
Education; |
|
|
(4) one member of the house of representatives |
|
|
appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; |
|
|
(5) one member of the public appointed by the |
|
|
lieutenant governor; |
|
|
(6) one member of the public appointed by the speaker |
|
|
of the house of representatives; |
|
|
(7) the chair of the Texas Facilities Commission; |
|
|
(8) the commissioner of higher education; and |
|
|
(9) one member of the public appointed by the governor |
|
|
to serve as chair of the commission. |
|
|
(b) Appointments to the commission shall be made without |
|
|
regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or |
|
|
national origin of the appointee. |
|
|
(c) The commission, in consultation with the Legislative |
|
|
Budget Board and Comptroller of Public Accounts, shall develop |
|
|
model guidelines to be considered by public institutions of higher |
|
|
education and university systems for procurement and construction |
|
|
related to capital projects for which the issuance of bonds is |
|
|
specifically authorized under Chapter 55, Education Code. |
|
|
(d) The commission may request reports and other |
|
|
information from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board |
|
|
relating to capital projects described by Subsection (c) of this |
|
|
section. |
|
|
(e) Not later than March 31, 2022, the commission shall |
|
|
develop the model guidelines required by Subsection (c) of this |
|
|
section. |
|
|
(f) Not later than December 1, 2022, the commission shall |
|
|
prepare and submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, |
|
|
and speaker of the house of representatives on the model guidelines |
|
|
developed under Subsection (c) of this section and recommendations |
|
|
for legislative or other action. |
|
|
(g) The commission is abolished effective December 31, |
|
|
2022. |
|
|
SECTION 5. 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 6. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the |
|
|
last day of the legislative session. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
______________________________ |
______________________________ |
| |
President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
| |
|
|
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 52 passed the Senate on |
|
|
October 15, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1; |
|
|
October 18, 2021, Senate refused to concur in House amendments and |
|
|
requested appointment of Conference Committee; October 18, 2021, |
|
|
House granted request of the Senate; October 18, 2021, Senate |
|
|
adopted Conference Committee Report by the following |
|
|
vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
______________________________ |
| |
Secretary of the Senate |
| |
|
|
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 52 passed the House, with |
|
|
amendments, on October 17, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 131, |
|
|
Nays 8, one present not voting; October 18, 2021, House granted |
|
|
request of the Senate for appointment of Conference Committee; |
|
|
October 18, 2021, House adopted Conference Committee Report by the |
|
|
following vote: Yeas 111, Nays 4, one present not voting. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
______________________________ |
| |
Chief Clerk of the House |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Approved: |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Governor |