STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

April 3, 2007

(This 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.)

REGENTS APPEAR BEFORE COMMITTEE

Regents Welcome Wilson Sr. and Jim Wise appeared before the Senate Nominations Committee last week. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend their confirmations to the full Senate. Chairman Leroy Hermes and Regent Lynden Rose attended the hearing. They also spoke briefly with Gov. Rick Perry in the halls of the Capitol.

HOUSE PASSES APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Early Friday morning, after 18 hours of debate, the House passed the General Appropriations Bill. No changes were made to the committee recommendations regarding higher education. It is worth noting that while higher education institutions have received greater funding than in the current biennium, some state agencies are still funded at a five percent reduction.

After the House passed HB 1, they adopted a supplementation appropriation bill, which authorizes special funding for this fiscal year.

Texas Southern University received $13.6 million for deferred maintenance and other current expenses. Meanwhile, in the Senate, the Finance Committee adopted a rider on TSU’s special funding for the next biennium that requires them to adopt a suitable reorganization plan to correct finance and physical plant problems. It further states that they will be placed under conservatorship if the plan is not approved and implemented.

During the Senate hearing, Senator Tommy Williams and other expressed great frustration with tuition increases.

RECENT ACTION ON BILLS OF INTEREST

SB 1306 by Wentworth provides for an exemption to the quorum restriction for members of boards of regents for attendance at ceremonial events and press conferences. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in Senate State Affairs.
SB 1045 by Wentworth provides that performance evaluations of the presidents and chancellors is exempt from open records. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in Senate Higher Education.
SB 1052 by Zaffirini provides for tuition credits at senior institutions for students who complete the core curriculum at community colleges. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in Senate Higher Education.
SB 1310 by Wentworth provides that state employees must be reimbursed for travel expenses within 45 days of submitting the paperwork. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in Senate Government Organization.
HB 447 by Callegari relating to contracts by governmental entities for constructions projects and related professional services. Amended in House committee to exempt institutions of higher education on 3/26/07.
HB 860 by Paxton relating to management, investment, and expenditure of institutional funds and adoption of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act. Passed on the House Consent Calendar on 3/28/07.
HB 2279 by Strama relating to use of energy-efficient light bulbs in public buildings. Voted favorably from House Committee on 3/26/07.
HCR 159 by Morrison relating to the creation of the Select Commission on Higher Education. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in House Higher Education.
SB 51 by Zaffirini relating to leave for employees who are physically assaulted while on duty. Reported from Senate Subcommittee on 3/19/07.
SB 105 by West Relating to the establishment of a law school in Dallas by the University of North Texas. Hearing set for 4/2/07 in Senate Higher Education.