Signed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes political appointees to review and approve or reject courses and the hiring of a provost or chief academic officer in Texas.

Highlights:

• Authorizes political appointees to review and approve or reject courses and the hiring of a provost or chief academic officer in Texas (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3).

• Establishes and creates an office to investigate complaints against universities and recommend funding cuts (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3).

• Amends provisions relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3):

• Review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs;

• A faculty council or senate; 

• Training for members of the governing board; and 

• The establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect September 1, 2025 (Article 4, Sec. 4.02).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes political appointees to review and approve or reject courses and the hiring of a provost or chief academic officer in Texas.

Highlights:

• Authorizes political appointees to review and approve or reject courses and the hiring of a provost or chief academic officer in Texas (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3).

• Establishes and creates an office to investigate complaints against universities and recommend funding cuts (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3).

• Amends provisions relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including (Article 1-3, Sec. 1-3):

• Review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs;

• A faculty council or senate; 

• Training for members of the governing board; and 

• The establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect September 1, 2025 (Article 4, Sec. 4.02).

Full Bill Text