SENATE — NOTICE — OF PUBLIC HEARING

SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:     Higher Education 

TIME & DATE:   12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 

PLACE:         E1.028 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:         Senator Paul Bettencourt 

The Senate Higher Education Committee will meet Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM to hear invited testimony only on the following interim charges:

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education K-16 passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

· Senate Bill 37 (89th Legislature), relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman; and 

· House Bill 127 (89th Legislature), relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.

Public Junior College State Finance Program: Review the implementation of the community college funding model. Make recommendations for any structural changes to the model, while continuing to ensure a dynamic structure that aligns student outcomes with workforce preparation and demands.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER OR PERSONAL ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.