STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
April 13, 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.)
SEN. GALLEGOS RETURNS, SPEAKS IN SUPPORT OF UH SYSTEM
Senator Mario Gallegos, who is recovering from a liver transplant, returned to the Senate yesterday to vote on the Appropriations Bill. He spoke fervently in support of funding for the University of Houston System as well as sponsoring a memorial resolution for UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue’s mother.
Comparison of Current Biennial Appropriations to the
House and Senate Versions of the Appropriations Bill
All Funds
| Current Biennium | House Version | Senate Version (est.) | |
| UH | $407,793,437 | $418,070,159 | $416,547,683 |
| UHCL | 79,184,962 | 81,078,770 | 81,141,863 |
| UHD | 73,967,507 | 83,797,926 | 84,064,813 |
| UHV | 29,843,040 | 36,496,015 | 36,336,725 |
| UHSA | 4,685,684 | 5,207,448 | 4,527,686 |
| TOTAL | $595,474,630 | $624,650,318 | $622,618,770 |
Both the House Higher Education Committee and the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee have lengthy agendas next Monday.
House Higher Education Committee Hearing – Selected Bills of Interest
- HB 1427 by Alonzo relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston (Note: This program currently exists at UH. One of Rep. Alonzo’s constituents is a proud graduate and supporter of the program.)
- HB 3828 by Morrison relating to performance incentive funding for instructions of higher education (This bill is part of Gov. Perry’s higher education initiative.)
- HB 1238 by Noriega relating to the operation of a student health center at an institution of higher education
- HB 3291 by Otto relating to a prohibition against the governing board of an institution of higher education entering into certain contracts relating to permanent improvements at the institution. (UH currently operates under the constrictions of this bill.)
- HB 3924 by Rose relating to the admission of high school and community college transfer students to institutions of higher education.
- HB 3450 by Rose relating to coordination of postsecondary curricula and to an academic planning Internet website to support academic progress by students enrolled at public institutions of higher education
Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education Hearing – Selected Legislation of Interest
- SB 1749 by Duncan relating to the transfer of Angelo State University to the Texas Tech System. (This is the companion to the bill that was heard last week in the House Higher Education Committee.)
- SB 114 by Van de Putte relating to the sale of instructional materials to students of institutions of higher education
- SB 1128 by Duncan relating to risk management programs for members of fraternities and other student organizations at public and private postsecondary educational institutions and to certain insurance requirements for fraternities. (The companion bill was reported from House committee today.)
- SB 1699 by Shapiro relating to administration, organization, amount, structure and delivery of financial aid programs and services to students attending institutions of public, independent and private institutions (This bill is part of Gov. Perry’s higher education initiative.)
Recent Action on Other Legislation of Interest
- HCR 159 by Morrison creating the Select Commission on Higher Education – Reported from House committee
- SB 445 by Hinojosa relating to design and construction standards for newly constructed state buildings. – Placed on Senate Intent Calendar for Monday.
- SB 924 Brimer relating to the rules and policies adopted by state agencies regarding engineering or architectural errors or omissions – Passed the Senate and referred to House committee
- SB 1231 by Zaffirini relating to refunding tuition and mandatory fees for dropped courses – Recommended for Uncontested Calendar in the Senate
- SB 1232 by Zaffirini relating to the manner of payment of tuition and fees and to the repayment of emergency loans – Recommended for Uncontested Calendar in the Senate
