Bill > HB3475

This bill establishes a framework for creating a new public law school in El Paso County, Texas, by allowing a university system's governing board to establish and operate a professional law school. The bill specifies that the governing board can create courses leading to traditional law degrees, assign management responsibilities to an academic institution within the system, and accept gifts and grants to support the school. Before establishing the law school, the governing board must request a feasibility study from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and notify the board of its intentions. If multiple university systems express interest in creating the law school, the Coordinating Board will determine which system can proceed based on community input, available resources, and other criteria. The bill limits the establishment to only one law school and provides financial provisions, including the authorization to issue up to $40 million in bonds for acquiring, constructing, and equipping facilities. Additionally, if the bill receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature and a law school is created, the new school will be eligible to participate in state funding allocations for university systems. The act will take effect immediately if it receives the required legislative support, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3475