(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 the redistricting issue dominated the headlines and most of the attention of the legislature in recent days, two other significant bills were finally passed last weekend before the 3rd Called Session adjourned sine die. Both the government reorganization bill (HB 7) and the fiscal matters bill (HB 28) had been introduced and debated in the regular session as well as in the three subsequent special sessions.
For universities, HB 28 includes several important provisions. First, it clarifies a new provision in the Appropriations Bill authorizing the Governor to allocate vetoed funds. Second, it corrects a problem with the B-on-Time financial aid program by clarifying that the tuition set-aside for this program is not an additional charge. The bill also contains a provision to require the Council on Competitive Government to analyze electronic benefits systems. If they determine that it is cost effective, they shall establish a single, common system for all agencies and contract with a single vendor. HB 28 will take effect as soon as it is certified by the Comptroller and signed by the Governor.
While every previous version of HB 7 had included a provision authorizing the Governor to appoint chairs of boards and commissions, including university board of regents, the final version removed this authority. Other pertinent provisions:
For the text of these or other bills, please go to www.capitol.state.tx.us.