As the legislature approaches the final month, the House calendar is getting very crowded. Fortunately, three bills of importance for higher education are set for consideration this week. The stair-step tuition bill and the tuition revenue bond bill are set for tomorrow, May 1. And HB 1839, the Texas Excellence Fund, is set for Wednesday, May 2.
Typically, at this point in the session, the House calendar will not be completed each day, so these bills may not be considered on the days posted. Additionally, the House has redistricting on the Major State Calendar on Thursday, May 3. That designation has priority and practically assures consideration on the designated day.
Two other contentious issues are scheduled this week: teacher health insurance and electricity deregulation.
The Appropriations Conference Committee has been meeting at 7 a.m. every day. They are still planning to defer all “big ticket” decisions until later. Higher education decisions, therefore will not be until May 7.
Action on other pertinant legislation:
HB 1641 - Author: Rangel
By Rangel. Relating to providing certain students with an equal opportunity to enroll in or receive a competitive scholarship for a graduate or professional degree program.
04-25-01 S Voted favorably from committee as amended EDUCATION
Action on other pertinant legislation:
HB 2218 - Author: Rangel
By Rangel. Relating to the amount of international education fee charged at certain institutions of higher education.
04-25-01 S Voted favorably from committee on EDUCATION
SB 385 - Author: Bivins
By Bivins. Relating to the curriculum requirements for graduation from public high school.
04-24-01 H Committee action pending PUB ED
SB 940 - Author: Bivins, Sponsor: Rangel
By Bivins. Relating to the establishment of the Joint Admission Medical Program to assist certain economically disadvantaged students in preparing for and succeeding in medical school.
04-26-01 H Reported favorably from committee on HIGH ED
SB 1260 - Author: Shapleigh
By Shapleigh. . Relating to the authority of the comptroller to conduct performance reviews of general academic teaching institutions.
04-26-01 H Received in the House - Not referred
HB 1641 - Author: Carona
By Carona. Relating to an exemption from the licensure provisions of the Texas Engineering Practice Act for certain research or instructional work.
04-26-01 S Reported favorably from committee on S-BUSIN
HB 1641 - Author: Ellis, Rodney
By Ellis, Rodney. Relating to the tuition for law school and graduate pharmacy courses at public institutions of higher education.
04-25-01 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted EDUCATION
Don't forget to watch Capitol Report on Channel 8 at 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Guidelines for Contacting Legislators
It's important that legislators hear from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the UH System. But if you are a member of the faculty or staff (a state employee) wishing to contact your legislator, it's equally important to follow certain guidelines when you write or fax letters. Go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/process/letter_writing.html>. for letter-writing guidelines.
For information on governmental relations policies, go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/policies/lobbying.html>.
To find the names and addresses of U.S. Senators and Congressmen/women, go to <http://www.usfronline.com/congress.htm>
To find the names and addresses of Texas Senators and Representatives, go to <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm>, or <http://www.house.state.tx.us/house/byzip.htm>.