Bill Text: TX SB272 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-09 - Co-author authorized [SB272 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-SB272-Introduced.html

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82R2933 KSD-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 272

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund
capital projects at public institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 55, Education Code, is
amended by adding Sections 55.1781, 55.1782, 55.1783, 55.1784,
55.1785, 55.1786, 55.1787, 55.1788, 55.1789, 55.17891, and
55.17892 to read as follows:
Sec. 55.1781. 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 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 and facilities not to exceed the following aggregate
principal amounts for the projects specified as follows:
(1) Tarleton State University, $27,150,000 for
instructional and student success space renovation;
(2) Texas A&M University--Commerce, $45,900,000 for
renovation of the University Library and a distance education
technology center;
(3) Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, $75 million
for a life sciences building;
(4) Texas A&M University--Kingsville, $40 million for
a music building expansion and renovation and acoustical
modifications to Jones Auditorium;
(5) Texas A&M University--Texarkana, $46 million for
nursing, allied health sciences, and College of Business classroom
facilities;
(6) West Texas A&M University, $20 million for
academic facility expansion, renovation, and construction;
(7) The Texas A&M University System Health Science
Center, $55 million for a medical education and research building
in Bryan, Texas;
(8) Prairie View A&M University, $17,559,310 for a
multipurpose classroom and laboratory building;
(9) Texas A&M University, $115 million for a
veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences education building;
(10) Texas A&M University at Galveston, $45 million
for the rehabilitation and expansion of infrastructure and the
central plant;
(11) Texas A&M International University, $50 million
for library expansion for additional instructional spaces and
construction of a support services building;
(12) Texas A&M University--Central Texas, $60 million
for a library/multipurpose building; and
(13) Texas A&M University--San Antonio, $45 million
for an academic classroom and library 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 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.
Sec. 55.1782. 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 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 at Arlington, $74,800,000
for a life science building;
(2) The University of Texas at Austin, $100 million
for an engineering education and research center;
(3) The University of Texas at Brownsville, $63
million for a student success center;
(4) The University of Texas at Dallas, $76,500,000 for
a bioengineering and science building;
(5) The University of Texas at El Paso, $90 million for
an interdisciplinary research facility (Barry/Burges Hall
replacement);
(6) The University of Texas--Pan American:
(A) $48,368,000 for the Science Building II; and
(B) $46 million for College of Business
renovation and expansion;
(7) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin:
(A) $53,500,000 for the construction of a College
of Engineering building; and
(B) $18 million for campus renovation and repair;
(8) The University of Texas at San Antonio,
$92,750,000 for an experimental science instructional building;
(9) The University of Texas at Tyler, $46 million for a
technology and life sciences building;
(10) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical
Center at Dallas, $52 million for south campus building renovation
and repair;
(11) The University of Texas Health Science Center at
Houston, $54 million for the renovation and modernization of
educational and research facilities;
(12) The University of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio:
(A) $6 million for a South Texas diabetes
institute; and
(B) $55 million for an academic learning and
teaching center building;
(13) The University of Texas Health Science Center at
Tyler, $27,792,000 for Phase II of the Academic Center; and
(14) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
Center, $50 million for a Basic Science Research Building II.
(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.
Sec. 55.1783. 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 facilities, including roads and related
infrastructure, for the following institutions, 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, in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed
the following:
(1) the University of Houston:
(A) $89,500,000 for a nanotechnology science and
engineering research building;
(B) $47,300,000 for a new pharmacy building; and
(C) $65 million for central plant renewal and
utility infrastructure deferred maintenance;
(2) the University of Houston--Clear Lake,
$68,600,000 for a science and academic support building;
(3) the University of Houston--Downtown, $41,429,000
for a science and technology building; and
(4) the University of Houston--Victoria, $61,500,000
for an academic/office/laboratory facility.
(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.
Sec. 55.1784. 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 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) Lamar University, $25 million for the construction
of a new science building;
(2) Lamar State College--Orange, $6,410,000 for a
workforce training center;
(3) Lamar State College--Port Arthur, $2 million for
an addition to the allied health building;
(4) Lamar Institute of Technology:
(A) $12 million for a student services and
learning support center; and
(B) $12 million for the renovation/replacement
of the technical arts buildings;
(5) Texas State University--San Marcos:
(A) $48,820,000 for the construction of the
RRHEC-Health Professions Building #1;
(B) $31,900,000 for the construction of the
RRHEC-Health Professions Building #2;
(C) $56,705,000 for the construction of a music
building; and
(D) $70 million for the construction of a new
engineering and science building;
(6) Sam Houston State University:
(A) $39,650,000 for a biology, nursing, and
allied health building;
(B) $19,575,000 for a forensic science building;
and
(C) $24,881,000 for construction of an
agriculture complex and academic building; and
(7) Sul Ross State University, $7,500,000 for the
campus boiler and other related infrastructure replacement.
(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.
Sec. 55.1785. 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 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 and facilities not to exceed the following
aggregate principal amounts for the projects specified as follows:
(1) the University of North Texas System, $46 million
for college of law building renovations;
(2) the University of North Texas:
(A) $63 million for a College of Visual Arts and
Design building; and
(B) $48 million for a science and technology
research facility;
(3) the University of North Texas at Dallas, $63
million for a library and student success center; and
(4) the University of North Texas Health Sciences
Center, $66,600,000 for an interdisciplinary research 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 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.
Sec. 55.1786. TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY. (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 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) $42 million for the demolition of the graduate
research building and construction of a new graduate research
building;
(2) $17,500,000 for Phase II of the old main building
renovation;
(3) $9,500,000 for academic and administrative
support services facilities; and
(4) $5,600,000 for Phase III of 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
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.
Sec. 55.1787. MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY; ADDITIONAL
BONDS. (a) In addition to the other authority granted by this
subchapter, the board of regents of Midwestern State University may
acquire, purchase, construct, improve, renovate, enlarge, or equip
facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for
library, College of Education, and student academic services
facilities at Midwestern State University, to be financed through
the issuance of bonds in accordance with this subchapter not to
exceed the aggregate principal amount of $58,985,500.
(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of bonds
authorized by this section all or any part of the revenue funds of
Midwestern 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.
Sec. 55.1788. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY. (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
facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for a
molecular sciences building at Stephen F. Austin State University,
to be financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this
subchapter not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of $50
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
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.
Sec. 55.1789. 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 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 not to
exceed the following aggregate principal amounts for the projects
specified as follows:
(1) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
(A) $40,500,000 for Lubbock
education/research/technology facilities;
(B) $58,500,000 for the El Paso Medical Science
Building II;
(C) $27 million for the El Paso Clinical Sciences
Building;
(D) $17,010,000 for the Permian Basin academic
facility; and
(E) $14,850,000 for the Amarillo Panhandle
clinical/hospital simulation center;
(2) Texas Tech University:
(A) $81 million for the expansion and renovation
of the College of Engineering; and
(B) $78,975,000 for the Experimental Science
Building II; and
(3) Angelo State University, $14,580,000 for the
College of Nursing and Allied Health.
(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.
Sec. 55.17891. 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
facilities, including roads and related infrastructure, for the
Robert J. Terry Library at Texas Southern University, to be
financed through the issuance of bonds in accordance with this
subchapter not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of
$64,518,444.
(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.
Sec. 55.17892. 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, buildings, structures, facilities, roads, or 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) Texas State Technical College--Harlingen, $5
million for Phase II of the energy/engineering center renovation;
(2) Texas State Technical College--West Texas:
(A) $1 million for the energy management system;
and
(B) $2 million for a diesel technologies center;
(3) Texas State Technical College--Marshall, $2
million for a transportation technologies center; and
(4) Texas State Technical College--Waco, $5 million
for water system infrastructure replacement.
(b) The board may pledge irrevocably to the payment of those
bonds 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.
SECTION 2. Section 61.0572(e), Education Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(e) Approval of the board is not required to acquire real
property that is financed by bonds issued under Section 55.17(e)(3)
or (4), 55.1713-55.1718, 55.1721-55.1728, 55.1735(a)(1), 55.174,
55.1742, 55.1743, 55.1744, 55.1751-55.17592, 55.1768, 55.1771,
[or] 55.17721, or 55.1781-55.17892, except that the board shall
review all real property to be financed by bonds issued under those
sections to determine whether the property meets the standards
adopted by the board for cost, efficiency, and space use. If the
property does not meet those standards, the board shall notify the
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and the Legislative Budget Board.
SECTION 3. Section 61.058(b), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(b) This section does not apply to construction, repair, or
rehabilitation financed by bonds issued under Section 55.17(e)(3)
or (4), 55.1713-55.1718, 55.1721-55.1728, 55.174, 55.1742,
55.1743, 55.1744, 55.1751-55.17592, 55.1768, 55.1771, [or]
55.17721, or 55.1781-55.17892, except that the board shall review
all construction, repair, or rehabilitation to be financed by bonds
issued under those sections to determine whether the construction,
rehabilitation, or repair meets the standards adopted by board rule
for cost, efficiency, and space use. If the construction,
rehabilitation, or repair does not meet those standards, the board
shall notify the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of
the house of representatives, and the Legislative Budget Board.
SECTION 4. 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 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.