STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
April 27, 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.)
JUST ABOUT A MONTH TO GO!
As this report is being prepared, there are roughly 31 and a half days left in the session. By yesterday morning, the House had passed 478 bills and the Senate had passed 532. Tempers flared in both chambers this week over a variety issues as a result of long hours of testimony and frustration with the deliberative nature of the process. In over 30 years, we do not ever recall seeing a Senator appeal a parliamentary ruling of the Lt. Governor and only rarely have we seen that action in the House. This motion was made today on debate on a toll road bill. Although it was ultimately withdrawn, it is illustrative of how divisive that issue and many others have become this session.
After more than a week of maneuverings, Lt. Governor Dewhurst finally announced members of the conference committee on the appropriations bill. They are Sens. Steve Ogden, John Whitmire, Judith Zaffirini, Robert Duncan, and Tommy Williams. The first four members served on the conference committee last session. Sen. Duncan, along with Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, will most likely lead the deliberations on education issues.
UH System Board of Regents Chairman Leroy Hermes spent two days in Austin meeting with the legislative leadership, including most of the members of the appropriations conference committee. Also this week, UH Football Coach Art Briles was honored by the House and Senate for his championship season.
At this point in the session, time is a major consideration in the legislative process. Under House rules, May 10 is the last day for the House to consider bills on second reading and the following day is the last day for consideration on third reading. They typically work until midnight – the absolute deadline – each of those days. It is worth noting that many bills that are placed on the last calendars will die because they cannot beat the clock.
Today, Rep. Garnet Coleman received permission to file a bill providing a method for the Governor to remove members of university boards of regents upon recommendation of the Legislative Audit Committee or on an independent finding by the Governor’s office. This is intended to address the situation at Texas Southern University.
RECENT ACTION ON BILLS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST:
- HB 374 by Pickett relating to use of state buildings and grounds by a television or film production company. The bill includes university property and was amended to require consultation with the university before the state grants permission. Passed by the Senate.
- HB 1427 by Alonzo relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston. The bill simply codifies an existing program. Recommended for the consent calendar in the House.
- HB 3564 by Darby relating to the transfer of Angelo State University to the Texas Teach System. Passed by the House.
- HB 3828 by Morrison relating to performance incentive funding for institutions of higher education. The substitute removes requirements for subject area testing. Reported from House committee as substituted.
- SB 101 by Shapiro relating to limitations on the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions. This is the top ten percent bill. Reported from Senate committee as substituted.
- SB 1325 by West relating to the establishment of debt management policies and guidelines by the Bond Review Board. This bill was amended to remove onerous and redundant requirements. Recommended for the Senate uncontested calendar.
