STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

July 10, 2003

(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.)

While redistricting is the primary purpose of the special session, Gov. Rick Perry has added a number of subjects to the call, including a few pertinent to universities:

Legislation permitting the Governor to designate the presiding officers for executive branch agencies.
Legislation directing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to review the organization and operation of each university system office.
Legislation relating to the abolition of the Office of State-Federal Relations and transferring its functions to the Governor’s Office.
Legislation modifying the scope and function of the State Office of Risk Management.
Legislation relating to the procedures followed in condemnation proceeding in a county civil court at law in Harris County.

Most of these issues were included in the omnibus government reorganization bill that failed during the regular session.

So far, 136 bills have been filed, including a number not covered in the call. The Governor, however, can open the call to additional subjects throughout the 30-day session. Among the bills filed that are not included in the call are three specifically relating to higher education.

Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) has filed HB 4, which alters the top 10 % admissions rule. Sen. Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) has re-filed Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn’s plan for free community college education for Texas residents (including books). HB 27 by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) provides that certain students receiving associate degrees would automatically be admitted to a university.

While the session is very contentious, most of the members still expect to conclude in late July. The House is currently debating the redistricting bill. The Senate will return to Austin after holding hearings around the state.