(This legislative update is produced by the UH System Office of Governmental Relations and the UH Division of University Advancement as a service to the UH System community, our alumni, and our friends.)
HOUSE PASSES BILL PROVIDING FOR TUITION RATE FLEXIBILITY -- This week, the House passed HB 3015 by Rep. Geanie Morrison , which provides universities with greater flexibility in establishing tuition rates. On Monday, April 28, there were over five hours of debate on the bill and multiple amendments adopted. On April 29, the bill was passed on third and final reading. Major elements include:
In the Senate, SB 1542 by Sen. Florence Shapiro has been placed on the Senate Intent Calendar. Like HB 3015, this bill provides for increased tuition rates (but only in statutory tuition) and student financial assistance.
Last Friday, May 1, the House passed HB 3350 by Rep. John Davis on second reading. The bill authorizes $25 million in tuition revenue bonds for the University of Houston to recover from damages suffered as a result of Tropical Storm Allison.
With regard to the appropriations process, the Senate Finance Committee passed its version and the full Senate passed it on Monday, April 28, with no amendments. The bill is less severe to the state’s universities than is the House bill, reducing formula funding and special items by 10.1 %instead on 12.5 %.
The next step in the appropriations process is for the two bills to be reconciled in a conference committee. House and Senate conference committee members have been appointed. House members include Reps. Talmadge Heflin (R-Houston), Vilma Luna (D-Corpus Christi), Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie), Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), and Arlene Wohlgemuth (R-Burleson). Senate members include Sens. Teel Bivins (R-Amarillo), Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock), Steve Ogden (R-College Station), and John Whitmire (D-Houston). The committee held an organizational meeting last Friday and will began Sunday evening with regulatory agencies.
Also, HB 2 by Rep. David Swinford was passed by the House Committee on Government Reform this week. At close to 500 pages, the bill is sweeping legislation designed to implement administrative efficiencies at state agencies. We will be reviewing this bill for its potential impact on higher education and the University of Houston System.
"UH SYSTEM DAY IN AUSTIN" PHOTO GALLERY ONLINE—Visit the "UH System Day in Austin" Photo Gallery for a look at all the activities related to the visit by some 400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to the state capitol building on February 18, including images of the bus trip, the pep rally at Sholz Garten, the visit to the Senate Chamber and legislators offices, and the evening reception for legislators.
WATCH HOUSE, SENATE PROCEEDINGS ONLINE—Now you can watch the legislative sessions and committee meetings on line. Click on any of these links for live audio and video images…
Live broadcasts from House chamber and from committee rooms
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/house/broadcast.htm
Live broadcasts from Senate chamber and from committee rooms