Bill > HJR169

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to create two special funds within the Texas State University System to support capital needs for specific educational institutions. The permanent fund and available fund would be established in the state treasury to provide dedicated funding for capital projects and equipment purchases at the Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College--Orange, and Lamar State College--Port Arthur. The comptroller of public accounts would manage and invest the permanent fund, with annual distributions to the available fund limited to 5.5% of the fund's fair market value, designed to maintain a stable funding stream while preserving the fund's purchasing power. The funds can be used for purposes such as land acquisition, construction, equipment purchases, major repairs, library materials, and debt payments, but cannot be used for athletic or auxiliary enterprise facilities. The amendment specifies that an initial $750,000 will be appropriated to the permanent fund on January 1, 2026, and includes provisions for potential future expansion of eligible institutions. The proposed constitutional amendment will be submitted to voters in a November 4, 2025 election, with the ballot language specifically describing the creation of these specialized funds for manufacturing and technical workforce educational programs.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HJR169