S.B. No. 52
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects
  at public institutions of higher education, the oversight of
  certain capital projects at those institutions, and the designation
  of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 55.111 to read as follows:
         Sec. 55.111.  CERTAIN ALLOCATED FUNDS TO BE DESIGNATED AS
  CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROJECTS. For purposes of this
  subchapter, funds allocated from the appropriation of general
  revenue or federal funds to an institution of higher education to
  supplement revenue funds of the institution described by Section
  55.13(a) may be designated as "Capital Construction Assistance
  Projects."
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 55.1791, 55.1792, 55.1793, 55.1794,
  55.1795, 55.1796, 55.1797, 55.1798, 55.1799, and 55.17991 to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 55.1791.  THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System
  may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or
  equip property and facilities, including roads and related
  infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of
  bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a
  systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the
  following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate
  principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:
               (1)  The Texas A&M University System, $43,425,406 for
  construction of a STEM education center at the RELLIS campus;
               (2)  Prairie View A&M University, $44,922,833 for
  construction of a teaching and academic student support services
  facility;
               (3)  Tarleton State University:
                     (A)  $65 million for construction of a College of
  Health Sciences and Human Services building on the Stephenville
  campus; and
                     (B)  $25 million for expansion of the Fort Worth
  campus;
               (4)  Texas A&M University, $56,153,542 for
  construction of a clinical veterinary teaching and research
  complex;
               (5)  Texas A&M University--Commerce, $44,922,833 for
  an Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center;
               (6)  Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, $44,922,833
  for construction of an arts and media building;
               (7)  Texas A&M University at Galveston, $33,692,125 for
  construction of an engineering classroom and research building;
               (8)  Texas A&M University--Kingsville, $44,922,833 for
  renovations to address deferred maintenance for campus buildings;
               (9)  Texas A&M University--Central Texas, $44,922,833
  for construction of a central utility plant and infrastructure
  upgrades;
               (10)  West Texas A&M University, $44,922,833 for
  infrastructure upgrades to address health and safety issues and the
  renovation of an education building;
               (11)  Texas A&M University--San Antonio, $44,922,833
  for construction of a public health and education building;
               (12)  Texas A&M International University, $44,922,833
  for construction of a health science education and research center;
               (13)  Texas A&M University--Texarkana, $44,922,833 for
  construction of a business, engineering, and technology building;
  and
               (14)  The Texas A&M University System Health Science
  Center:
                     (A)  $69,897,111 for construction of the Texas
  Medical Center Building 3 in Houston, Texas; and
                     (B)  $29,948,556 for construction of a nursing
  education and research center in McAllen, Texas.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of The Texas A&M University
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The Texas A&M
  University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1792.  THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a)  In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of The University of Texas System
  may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or
  equip property and facilities, including roads and related
  infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of
  bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in accordance with a
  systemwide revenue financing program adopted by the board for the
  following institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate
  principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:
               (1)  The University of Texas System, $56,153,542 for
  renovation of the Microelectronics Research Center at the
  J. J. Pickle Research Campus;
               (2)  The University of Texas at Arlington, $52,409,972
  for renovation of the Life Science Building;
               (3)  The University of Texas at Austin, $56,153,542 for
  renovation of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building;
               (4)  The University of Texas at Dallas, $52,409,972 for
  construction of a student success center;
               (5)  The University of Texas at El Paso, $52,409,972
  for construction of an advanced teaching and learning complex;
               (6)  The University of Texas of the Permian Basin,
  $44,922,833 for renovation of the Mesa Building and campus
  transformation;
               (7)  The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley,
  $44,922,833 for construction of a health affairs building;
               (8)  The University of Texas at San Antonio,
  $52,409,972 for construction of an Innovation, Entrepreneurship,
  and Careers building;
               (9)  The University of Texas at Tyler, $44,922,833 for
  construction of a sciences building;
               (10)  The University of Texas Health Science Center at
  Houston, $69,897,111 for construction of a public health education
  and research building;
               (11)  The University of Texas Health Science Center at
  San Antonio, $59,897,111 for construction of the Glenn Biggs
  Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases Building;
               (12)  The University of Texas Health Science Center at
  Tyler:
                     (A)  $48 million for construction of a health
  professions education center; and
                     (B)  $10 million for construction of a health
  professions education center located in Longview, Texas;
               (13)  The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
  Center, $69,897,111 for construction of a life sciences research,
  innovation, and discovery initiative facility;
               (14)  The University of Texas Medical Branch at
  Galveston, $59,897,111 for infrastructure and research space
  upgrades for research buildings; and
               (15)  UT Southwestern Medical Center, $59,897,111 for
  construction of the north campus Phase VI Brain Institute shell
  space.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of The University of Texas
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of The University
  of Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1793.  UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a)  In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of the University of Houston
  System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate,
  enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and
  related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the
  issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in
  accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by
  the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the
  following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified,
  as follows:
               (1)  the University of Houston System, $59,897,111 for
  construction of a medical research facility;
               (2)  the University of Houston:
                     (A)  $40 million for construction of the Hobby
  School of Public Affairs Building;
                     (B)  $52,409,972 for construction of the IDEA Lab;
  and
                     (C)  $52,409,972 for construction of the Sugar
  Land Academic Building 2;
               (3)  the University of Houston--Clear Lake,
  $44,922,833 for renovation of the Bayou Building, the Delta
  Building, and the Student Services and Classroom Building;
               (4)  the University of Houston--Downtown, $44,922,833
  for renovation of existing buildings and other campus
  infrastructure upgrades and for the construction of the Police
  Department and Criminal Justice Academy Building; and
               (5)  the University of Houston--Victoria, $44,922,833
  for renovation of existing buildings and other campus
  infrastructure upgrades.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of the University of Houston
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University
  of Houston System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1794.  TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a)  In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas State University
  System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate,
  enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and
  related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the
  issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in
  accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by
  the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the
  following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified,
  as follows:
               (1)  Texas State University System, $11,230,708 for
  construction of a field research station and dam repair;
               (2)  Lamar State College--Orange, $37,435,695 for the
  replacement of an academic building to house general academic
  instruction and information technology services;
               (3)  Lamar State College--Port Arthur, $37,435,695 for
  construction of an allied health and sciences building;
               (4)  Lamar Institute of Technology, $37,435,695 for
  construction of a facility for workforce and allied health
  programs;
               (5)  Lamar University, $44,922,833 for renovation of a
  library;
               (6)  Sam Houston State University:
                     (A)  $44,922,833 for construction of an allied
  health building located in Conroe, Texas; and
                     (B)  $44,922,833 for construction of an active
  learning center located in Huntsville, Texas; and
               (7)  Texas State University:
                     (A)  $111,921,496 for construction of a STEM
  classroom building located in San Marcos, Texas; and
                     (B)  $52,409,972 for construction of a health
  professions building located in Round Rock, Texas.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State University
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State
  University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1795.  UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of the University of North Texas
  System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate,
  enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and
  related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the
  issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in
  accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by
  the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the
  following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified,
  as follows:
               (1)  the University of North Texas, $113,400,000 for
  construction of a science and technology research building;
               (2)  the University of North Texas at Dallas,
  $100,000,000 for construction of a science building; and
               (3)  the University of North Texas Health Science
  Center at Fort Worth, $59,897,111 for campus space optimization and
  realignment.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of the University of North Texas
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the University
  of North Texas System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1796.  TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS.
  (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter,
  the board of regents of Texas Woman's University may acquire,
  purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property
  and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for a
  health sciences center, to be financed through the issuance of
  bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the
  aggregate principal amount of $100 million.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  Texas Woman's University, including student tuition charges. The
  amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or
  abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds
  issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for Texas Woman's University, the board may finance in the
  manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for
  deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the
  university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount
  authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects
  authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall
  notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (d)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1797.  STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY;
  ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted
  by this subchapter, the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State
  University may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate,
  enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and
  related infrastructure, for construction of an interdisciplinary
  and applied sciences building, to be financed through the issuance
  of bonds in accordance with this subchapter, not to exceed the
  aggregate principal amount of $44,922,833.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  Stephen F. Austin State University, including student tuition
  charges. The amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not
  be reduced or abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is
  made, or bonds issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for Stephen F. Austin State University, the board may finance in
  the manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for
  deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the
  university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount
  authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects
  authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall
  notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (d)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1798.  TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL
  BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this
  subchapter, the board of regents of the Texas Tech University
  System may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate,
  enlarge, or equip property and facilities, including roads and
  related infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the
  issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter and in
  accordance with a systemwide revenue financing program adopted by
  the board for the following institutions, not to exceed the
  following aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified,
  as follows:
               (1)  Angelo State University, $36 million for a central
  plant maintenance and renovation;
               (2)  Texas Tech University:
                     (A)  $72 million for renovations to address
  deferred maintenance for campus buildings; and
                     (B)  $8 million for maintenance and program
  enhancement construction in Junction, Texas;
               (3)  Midwestern State University, $44,922,833 for
  renovations to an existing building and other campus infrastructure
  upgrades;
               (4)  Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
                     (A)  $59,897,111 for maintenance and renovation
  of an existing facility; and
                     (B)  $18,717,847 for construction and equipment
  of the physician assistant facility in Midland, Texas; and
               (5)  Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El
  Paso, $59,897,111 for construction of a dental school building.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas Tech University
  System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a pledge
  made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated while the
  bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to refund those
  bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas Tech
  University System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or university
  system, the board may finance in the manner prescribed by that
  subsection an alternative project for deferred maintenance,
  infrastructure, or construction at the same institution, entity, or
  system in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized
  for the project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for
  the institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board
  shall notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.1799.  TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL BONDS.
  (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter,
  the board of regents of Texas Southern University may acquire,
  purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip property
  and facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for
  projects to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance
  with this subchapter, not to exceed the following aggregate
  principal amounts for the projects specified, as follows:
               (1)  $22,800,000 for renovation of the Nabrit Building;
               (2)  $2,400,000 for upgrades to signage and wayfinding;
               (3)  $40 million for facility maintenance and
  renovation; and
               (4)  $30 million for construction of a health and
  wellness center.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  Texas Southern University, including student tuition charges. The
  amount of a pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or
  abrogated while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds
  issued to refund those bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for Texas Southern University, the board may finance in the
  manner prescribed by that subsection an alternative project for
  deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or construction at the
  university in an amount not to exceed the total of the amount
  authorized for the project and any unspent amount from projects
  authorized for the university under this chapter. The board shall
  notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (d)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (c) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         Sec. 55.17991.  TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM. (a)
  In addition to the other authority granted by this subchapter, the
  board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System may
  acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip
  property and facilities, including roads and related
  infrastructure, for projects to be financed through the issuance of
  bonds in accordance with this subchapter for the following entity
  and institutions, not to exceed the following aggregate principal
  amounts for the projects specified, as follows:
               (1)  Texas State Technical College System, $33,300,000
  for the East Williamson County Higher Education Center expansion;
               (2)  Texas State Technical College--Fort Bend,
  $41,800,000 for Fort Bend County campus expansion;
               (3)  Texas State Technical College--Harlingen,
  $37,800,000 for Harlingen campus expansion;
               (4)  Texas State Technical College--Marshall, $15
  million for Marshall campus expansion;
               (5)  Texas State Technical College--North Texas, $13.5
  million for North Texas campus expansion;
               (6)  Texas State Technical College--West Texas, $13.5
  million for West Texas campus expansion; and
               (7)  Texas State Technical College--Waco, $53,600,000
  for Waco campus expansion.
         (b)  The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
  authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
  an institution, branch, or entity of the Texas State Technical
  College System, including student tuition charges. The amount of a
  pledge made under this subsection may not be reduced or abrogated
  while the bonds for which the pledge is made, or bonds issued to
  refund those bonds, are outstanding.
         (c)  If sufficient funds are not available to the board to
  meet its obligations under this section, the board may transfer
  funds among institutions, branches, and entities of the Texas State
  Technical College System to ensure the most equitable and efficient
  allocation of available resources for each institution, branch, or
  entity to carry out its duties and purposes.
         (d)  In lieu of financing a project described by Subsection
  (a) for an institution of higher education, entity, or system, the
  board may finance in the manner prescribed by that subsection an
  alternative project for deferred maintenance, infrastructure, or
  construction at the same institution, entity, or system in an
  amount not to exceed the total of the amount authorized for the
  project and any unspent amount from projects authorized for the
  institution, entity, or system under this chapter. The board shall
  notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of an
  alternative project financed as provided by this subsection.
         (e)  For financing of an alternative project as provided by
  Subsection (d) in an amount that exceeds $25 million, the board must
  receive prior written approval from the governor and Legislative
  Budget Board. A request for approval of financing of an alternative
  project is considered approved unless the governor or the
  Legislative Budget Board issues a written disapproval not later
  than the 30th business day after the date of the receipt of the
  request.
         SECTION 3.  Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 55.165 to read as follows:
         Sec. 55.165.  OVERSIGHT OF CERTAIN CAPITAL PROJECTS. (a)
  This section applies only to a capital project for which the
  issuance of bonds is specifically authorized under this chapter on
  or after October 1, 2021.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 2262.002(a), Government Code,
  or any other law, a project to which this section applies is subject
  to oversight by the contract advisory team in accordance with
  Subchapter C, Chapter 2262, Government Code, and the governing
  board of the institution of higher education or university system
  for which a project was authorized shall consult the contract
  advisory team before expending any funds for purposes of the
  project. The contract advisory team shall consider the model
  guidelines for procurement and construction developed by the
  capital project oversight advisory commission established by
  S.B. 52, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2021, when
  consulting with a governing board for purposes of this subsection.
         (c)  Notwithstanding Section 322.020(f), Government Code, or
  any other law, the governing board of an institution of higher
  education or university system authorized to issue bonds for a
  project to which this section applies shall report any major
  contract as defined by Section 322.020(a), Government Code, that is
  entered into for purposes of the project to the major contracts
  database maintained by the Legislative Budget Board under Section
  322.020, Government Code, not later than the 30th day after the date
  the contract is executed.
         SECTION 4.  CAPITAL PROJECT OVERSIGHT ADVISORY COMMISSION.
  (a) The Capital Project Oversight Advisory Commission is composed
  of nine members as follows:
               (1)  the chair of the Senate Committee on Higher
  Education;
               (2)  one member of the senate appointed by the
  lieutenant governor;
               (3)  the chair of the House Committee on Higher
  Education;
               (4)  one member of the house of representatives
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
               (5)  one member of the public appointed by the
  lieutenant governor;
               (6)  one member of the public appointed by the speaker
  of the house of representatives;
               (7)  the chair of the Texas Facilities Commission;
               (8)  the commissioner of higher education; and
               (9)  one member of the public appointed by the governor
  to serve as chair of the commission.
         (b)  Appointments to the commission shall be made without
  regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or
  national origin of the appointee.
         (c)  The commission, in consultation with the Legislative
  Budget Board and Comptroller of Public Accounts, shall develop
  model guidelines to be considered by public institutions of higher
  education and university systems for procurement and construction
  related to capital projects for which the issuance of bonds is
  specifically authorized under Chapter 55, Education Code.
         (d)  The commission may request reports and other
  information from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  relating to capital projects described by Subsection (c) of this
  section.
         (e)  Not later than March 31, 2022, the commission shall
  develop the model guidelines required by Subsection (c) of this
  section.
         (f)  Not later than December 1, 2022, the commission shall
  prepare and submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor,
  and speaker of the house of representatives on the model guidelines
  developed under Subsection (c) of this section and recommendations
  for legislative or other action.
         (g)  The commission is abolished effective December 31,
  2022.
         SECTION 5.  This Act does not affect any authority or
  restriction regarding the activities that a public institution of
  higher education may conduct in connection with a facility financed
  by bonds authorized by this Act.
         SECTION 6.  This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the
  last day of the legislative session.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 52 passed the Senate on
  October 15, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1;    
  October 18, 2021, Senate refused to concur in House amendments and
  requested appointment of Conference Committee; October 18, 2021,
  House granted request of the Senate; October 18, 2021, Senate
  adopted Conference Committee Report by the following
  vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 52 passed the House, with
  amendments, on October 17, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 131,
  Nays 8, one present not voting; October 18, 2021, House granted
  request of the Senate for appointment of Conference Committee;
  October 18, 2021, House adopted Conference Committee Report by the
  following vote:  Yeas 111, Nays 4, one present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
             Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor