BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1022
	By: Morales, Eddie et al. (Blanco)
	Education K-16
	5/5/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In the spring of 2022, the Texas State University System (TSUS) commissioned the Hanover Institute to conduct a study for the feasibility of a single four-year university campus in the Middle Rio Grande Region.

Currently, Sul Ross State University, with its flagship campus in Alpine, Texas, also has satellite campuses in Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and Uvalde comprising Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.

In the Middle Rio Grande Region, students must go back and forth, sometimes for many miles, to three different campuses to attend courses in order to obtain their bachelor's degrees. The Middle Rio Grande Region will experience significant growth in the next decade and in particular will have a need for educating adult, non-traditional college students over the age of 24.

The Middle Rio Grande Region has present and future needs for more students in healthcare, administration, accounting and finance, cybersecurity and information assurance, and education. With the help of TSUS Chancellor Brian McCall and his office, along with generous donors, they have secured over 100 acres that were donated to TSUS for the creation of a new four-year campus, as well as a $30 million dollar commitment from TSUS for the construction of the first stand-alone multi-use building.

H.B. 1022 would allow for the downward expansion of Sul Ross State University satellite campuses by permitting the expansion of lower-level courses at these campuses. H.B. 1022 would lay the foundation for students in the region to obtain a four-year degree at an affordable rate, without needing to leave their hometown. H.B. 1022 would play a pivotal role in expanding higher education for Texans in the Middle Rio Grande Region with a focus on international programs. H.B. 1022 would provide a means for students to build their careers and serve as a foundation for the future development of the Middle Rio Grande Region.

H.B. 1022 amends current law relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 96.01, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 96.01. SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY. Provides that Sul Ross State University is a coeducational institution of higher education located in the city of Alpine, with an educational center, rather than an upper-level educational center, known as Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College operated in the cities of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde.

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning January 1, 2026.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.