AAUP@UT

American Association of University Professors at The University of Texas at Austin. Twitter. Join AAUP.

Please contact Brian Evans if you are interested in advocating for academic freedom, tenure and other higher ed values in Texas.

Our advocacy is amplified by teaming with Texas AAUP, AAUP , Texas AFT, AFT, TACT, TFA, and other orgs.

AAUP@UT members are speaking for themselves as private citizens and not on behalf of any group, institution or organization.

  • Welcome!

    Texas Legislature: Higher Ed Bill Tracker – AAUP/AFT Analysis of Texas SB 16, 17, and 18 to limit academic freedom, ban DEI, and eliminate tenure

    Oppose Texas bills to limit academic freedom, ban DEI, eliminate tenure:

    • Join the Texas AFT Defend Tenure, DEI & Academic Freedom campaign to ask your Reps to vote against these bills
    • Invite faculty, students, alumni, parents, and community and business leaders to join the campaign via the Impactive App using code 851761
    • Send comments to the Senate Higher Ed Subcommittee by clicking on each picture and selecting E-mail Your Senator or calling their office
    • Testify at a committee hearing — see our Bill Tracker for the hearing schedule and the advocacy training page for resources and guidance

    Texas AAUP Members testified against anti-tenure SB 18: Brian Evans (YouTube) as well as Andrea Gore (39:21), Pat Heintzelman (41:13), Derek Chiou (55:48), Karma Chavez (1:15:28) in part II of the hearing recording.

    New Op-Ed: Andrea Gore, “UT scientist: Killing tenure would ruin the state’s research universities“, Houston Chronicle, March 24, 2023. You only need to provide your e-mail address to access the article if not a subscriber.

    Academic Freedom and Tenure: Impact of eliminating tenure white paper and talking points; Texas AAUP Higher Ed Talking Points and Academic Freedom Basics; AAUP Academic FreedomTenure; Florida petition

    Teaching About Race and Gender Identity: Impact of banning teaching about race and gender identity white paper and talking pointsProposed bill could ban critical race theory from Texas universitiesAAUP Statement on Educational gag orders: Legislative interference in teaching about race

    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Impact of banning DEI programs white paper and talking pointsLegislative Black Caucus press conf. opposing Gov. Abbott’s anti-DEI agendaGov. Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiringHouse bill restricts speech

    Texas AAUP Legislative Visits: Brainstorming with Texas Legislators at AFT Breakfast – Advocating with Texas AFT and with TACT

    AAUP@UT: Advocating for Academic Freedom and Tenure SlidesJoining AAUPApplication for Chapter StatusOfficersBy-Laws – Meetings in Spring 2023Fall 2022Spring 2022Fall 2021

    UT Austin: Petition for faculty & staff solidarity with graduate student workersAdvocating with Texas A&M for Higher Ed – Faculty authority in curriculum matters – Academic freedom in UT System policies

    Founded in 1915, AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain education quality and academic freedom in this country’s colleges and universities. AAUP is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers.

    All AAUP members affiliated with UT Austin are automatically members of AAUP@UT. If you are affiliated with UT Austin and would like to join the AAUP@UT mailing list, please email Brian Evans.

  • Brainstorming with Texas Legislators at AFT Breakfast

    Austin-area AFT Locals invited Austin-area Texas Legislators to a Breakfast on Saturday, February 25, 2023, to brainstorm on public K-12 and higher education issues. In the above picture, Rep. John Bucy is responding to ideas from Texas AFT members and Texas AAUP Conference Officers Jim Klein (on the left) and Brian Evans (on the right) attending as private citizens. AAUP affiliated with AFT in August.

    The following Legislators attended:

    • Rep. John Bucy, III (D-Cedar Park, District 136) BA History Austin College
    • Rep. Sheryl Cole (D-Austin, District 46) BA Accounting, UT Austin; JD UT Austin
    • Rep. Lulu Flores (D-Austin, District 51) BA Government, UT Austin; JD UT Austin
    • Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin, District 47) BBA UT Austin; Masters LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
    • Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin, District 49) BA Government, Liberal Arts Plan II Honors, UT Austin; JD George Washington University
    • Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin, District 48) BS & MS Nursing, UT Austin
    • Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin, District 50) BA Government, UT Austin; MA Educational Policy, Harvard University.

    Reps. Bucy, Cole, and Howard are on the House Higher Education Committee and Reps. Hinojosa and Talarico are on the House Public Education Committee.

    The AFT sponsors were Austin Community College AFT, Education Austin, Bastrop Federation of Teachers, and Education Round Rock.

    Eleven Texas AAUP Members attended as private citizens including Jim Klein, Teresa Klein and Pat Heintzelman shown below. Jim Klein is also the President of the Texas Association of College Teachers; Teresa Klein is the Texas AAUP VP for South Texas; and Pat Heinzelman is also the President of the Texas Faculty Association, TSTA, NEA.

  • Spring 2023 Meeting

    AAUP@UT enthusiasts met on Feb. 27, 2023, to hear talks with Q&A on

    and participate in moderated breakout sessions on advocacy (telling our stories about how higher ed values helps our teaching and research and in turn Texans and Texas) via

    • Blogging, social media posts and podcasts – Polly Strong
    • Op-ed writing – Andrea Gore
    • Developing talking points – Karma Chávez
    • Meeting with State Legislators – Brian Evans

    Action Items:

  • UT Austin and Texas A&M Orgs Advocate Together for Higher Ed

    Advocating at the State Legislature is something that UT Austin and Texas A&M University organize, and not just external advocacy organizations.

    Texas Exes and The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M team up at the Orange and Maroon Legislative Day in each Texas Legislative Session to organize current and former students as well as faculty and staff to advocate together for public higher education. Each team of 3-6 people has representatives from UT and A&M. On February 15, 2023, our 31 teams fanned out across the State Capitol in the afternoon to meet with all 181 Legislators. UT Austin President Jay Hartzell gave a speech in the morning, and Chancellors James Milliken and John Sharp in the evening.

    When meeting with Legislators, each team presented the same talking points along themes of making public higher ed more affordable to students and their families, enhancing the quality of life, and creating jobs in Texas:

    1. Strengthen the Core Academic Mission with Increased Formula Funding — improving affordability
    2. Increased Investment in University Research Initiatives — enhancing quality of life and creating jobs
    3. Support Innovations and Production of Semiconductors in Texas — enhancing quality of life and creating jobs
    4. Increase Access to Mental Health Resources on Campus — improving affordability and enhancing quality of life
    5. Fully Fund Military Veteran Education Benefits for the Texas Hazlewood Act — improving affordability

    Improving affordability. Stable and predictable state funding helps to keep college affordable and promotes efficiency and consistency for the universities, students, and families.

    Enhancing quality of life and creating jobs.  Basic and applied research creates lifesaving treatments, medicines, therapies, technologies, business practices, artistic works, and more to improve the quality of life for Texans and spurs innovation across all sectors of our economy.

    More information about the talking points is available in the Orange and Maroon Legislative Day Volunteer Handbook. Daniel Beka (Texas Exes) and Miranda Henderson (The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M) are available to field any questions Legislative Offices might have at daniel.beka@texasexes.org and mhenderson09@aggienetwork.com.

    Here is a bit more information on the talking points:

    1. Affordability. Make our universities more affordable — strengthen the core academic mission with increased formula funding. 
      • Note: Formula funding for each institution is based on adding up the number of students enrolled in each course times the number of credit hours times a multiplier for the type of course taken that reflects the cost to offer the course (1 for Liberal Arts, 6 for Engineering, etc.)
      • Note: State funding per full-time public higher education student across all 107 institutions dropped every year from $6292 in 2001 to $4610 in 2020 after adjusting for inflation. (Source: State Support for Higher Education per Full-Time Equivalent Student, National Science Foundation, 2000-2020.) 
    2. Research.  Three subpoints: 
      • Enhance funding rate for Texas Research University Fund (which gives $1.1M for every $10M in research expenditures)  
      • Maintain $40M in funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative.  
      • Note: In 2020, Texas public universities and health-related institutions had $5.44B in research expenditures (Source: Research Funding in Texas Overview, 60x30TX Report, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board).  This funding is not recurring like the formula funding in the first talking point.
      • Brian Evans told a story about the importance of research in Texas:  Dr. James Allison, BS & PhD UT Austin and Professor at UT MD Anderson, made key discoveries about cancer and the immune system that led to a new filed of immunotherapy that has transformed the treatment of certain cancers. In some cases, tumors melt away and a patient becomes cancer-free.  He won a Nobel Prize for this work in 2018.
    3. Semiconductors. Appropriate funds to strengthen proposals across Texas to compete for billions of dollars in federal CHIPS Act funding.  Leverage state dollars for federal funds . 
    4. Mental health.  Invest in higher ed mental health services for students.  
    5. Veterans and their dependents — Texas Hazlewood Act 1943 was expanded in 2009 to cover tuition benefits for up to 150 credit hours for dependents of veterans, which became an unfunded mandate.  Increase State funding to cover all dependent beneficiaries.  Deficit drives up tuition for others.  
      • The average impact of a Hazlewood “legacy beneficiary” waiver passed onto other students is approximately $196 at UT Austin and $270 at Texas A&M University per year  
      • Brian Evans added– It would take $280M/year in State funding to fully fund Hazlewood mandates across all public higher ed. (Source: Stacey Napier, UT System Vice Chancellor of Governmental Affairs). 
  • Texas AFT and AAUP Advocate at the Texas Legislature Kickoff

    For first day of the 88th Texas Legislature on January 10, 2023, the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) brought 20 chapter presidents and other officers from around the state to build relationships with Texas Legislators and their staff and to advocate for public K-12 students, support staff, and educators as well as higher ed students, staff, and faculty.

    At a press conference on Tuesday at the State Capitol, Texas AFT President Zeph Capo, Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D), Rep. Todd Hunter (R), and Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos (D) demanded changes to improve the working conditions for teachers and learning conditions for students. President Capo advocated for the main points in the Texas AFT Respect Us or Expect Us campaign:

    • A $10,000 across-the-board raise for teachers and certified staff, including nurses and librarians
    • A 15% across-the-board raise for classified staff, including bus drivers, maintenance workers, and custodians
    • A substantial increase to the basic allotment to fund these raises, as well as investments in our schools to make them safer and more supportive of students
    • Closing the class size loopholes that allow districts to overcrowd classrooms without penalty
    • A defined work year for educators so they aren’t expected to sacrifice weekends and evenings consistently
    • A significant cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators that keeps pace annually with inflation.

    Texas AFT invited Texas AAUP, which was represented by President Jeff Blodgett and Vice President Brian Evans. AAUP talking points included

    • Academic freedom and tenure ensures world class teaching
    • Restore and maintain higher ed funding after 20 years of annual cuts
    • Campus safety and building repair due to age and storm damage

    The Texas AFT outreach to the Texas Legislature started with an evening reception on January 9th, where Texas AAUP President Jeff Blodgett and Vice President Brian Evans met

    as well as several staffers including

    • Ms. Dawn Freeman, Chief of Staff for Rep. Carl Sherman. BBA & MBA St. Leo’s University
    • Mr. Taylor Larson, Chief of Staff for Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos, BA William & Mary; JD Columbia
    • Mr. Ali Zaidi, Democratic Caucus, BA UT Austin

    On the next day, after the morning press conference, Texas AFT chapter officers visited the offices of their local representatives, reaching 78 of the 181 State Legislators. Since it was the first day of the session with the induction ceremony at noon, refreshments were served in the Legislative offices and staff were readily available to meet with visitors. Brian Evans (VP Texas AAUP) teamed with David Albert (President Austin Community College AFT Local) to present the Texas AFT K-12 talking points (see above) as well as the following higher ed talking points:

    • $10K raise for full-time faculty members including tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track faculty (instructors)
    • 15% raise for adjunct/contingent faculty and staff
    • Academic freedom and tenure to ensure world class teaching
    • Restore and maintain higher ed funding after 20 years of annual cuts

    Brian also presented the Texas AAUP “Pledge to Support Higher Education in Texas” when visiting the following Austin-area legislators and their staff:

    • Rep. John Bucy, III (D-Cedar Park, District 136) BA History Austin College
    • Rep. Sheryl Cole (D-Austin, District 46) BA Accounting, UT Austin; JD UT Austin
    • Rep. Lulu Flores (D-Austin, District 51) BA Government, UT Austin; JD UT Austin
    • Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin, District 47) BBA UT Austin; Masters LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
    • Rep. Caroline Harris (R-Williamson County , District 52) MPA LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
    • Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin, District 49) BA Government, Liberal Arts Plan II Honors, UT Austin; JD George Washington University
    • Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin, District 48) BS & MS Nursing, UT Austin
    • Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin, District 50) BA Government, UT Austin; MA Educational Policy, Harvard University.
    • Rep. Terry Wilson (R-Georgetown/Leander, District 20) BSBA Texas A&M; MS Logistics Air War University
    • Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Austin, District 45) BS Natural Resource Conservation, University of Montana; MFA Creative Writing, University of Arizona
    • Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin, District 14) BFA Theater, NYU; MPA LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin; JD, UT Austin
    • Sen. Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Williamson+9 other counties, District 5) BS Pharmacy UT Austin, MD UTMB Galveston
    • Sen. Judith Zaffarini (D-Austin, District 21) BS degree, MA Communications, and PhD Journalism, UT Austin

  • Texas Legislature Higher Ed Bill Tracker

    Updated March 31, 2023. Below are more than 180 higher ed bills filed in the 88th Texas Legislature, which convened Jan. 10, 2023. The bill filing deadline was Mar. 10, 2023, and the Legislature will adjourn on May 29, 2023. We would like to thank Patty Quinzi and Eli Melendrez at the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) for their help.

    AAUP and AFT have provided an Analysis of SB 16, 17 & 18 which restrict academic freedom; ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and eliminate granting of tenure after Sept. 1, 2023. Texas AFT has launched a Defend Tenure, DEI & Academic Freedom campaign to ask your Texas Senate and House Reps to vote against SB 16, 17 and 18, and the related House Bills. The Web form is automated, and you can edit the draft letter to your representatives before it is sent.  Here are other actions you can take.

    Committee hearings of certain legislative matters concerning higher ed:

    SB17 bans DEI policies, programs; prohibits DEI statements in admissions, employment, and promotion; bans DEI offices and employees, requires a no-hire list to be maintained of employees violating this section, and requires termination of an employee that violates this section for a second time; and prohibits students, staff and faculty to be on a President’s search committee.Senate Higher Education SubcommitteeExpected to be heard on Thursday, April 6, 2023, 9:00am
    SB 18 eliminates tenure at public institutions of higher educationSenate Higher Education SubcommitteeAgenda for Thursday, March 30, 2023, 9:00amOpportunities to take action
    SB 16 restricts curriculum content and discussion about race, sex, or ethnicity and social, political, or religious backgrounds and beliefsSenate Higher Education SubcommitteeThursday, March 23, 2023, 9:00amReferred to Senate Education Committee
    Budget Rider #186 Prohibition on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) PracticesHouse Appropriations CommitteeThursday, March 16, 2023, 8:00amPassed
    SB 15 Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics based on biological sexSenate Committee on State AffairsMonday, March 13, 2023, 10:30amPassed

    The Texas AAUP Conference recognizes the following bills as “encouraging legislation” for public institutions of higher education:

    • HB 202 gives a pay raise for all state employees including those in public institutions of higher education of $10,000/year
    • HB 3471 strengthens protections for academic freedom, including when teaching about race, ethnic, and gender identity and their intersections, and for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
    • HB 4571 adopts measures to address student hunger.

    The Texas AAUP Conference is also following these bills among others due to concerns of infringement on free speech, academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance at public institutions of higher education (public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, public state college, or other agency of higher education):

    • Eliminating tenure
      • SB18 prohibits granting of institutional tenure or permanent employment status on or after Sept. 1, 2023; faculty members with tenure prior to Sept. 1, 2023, will be able to maintain tenure provided they are continuously employed.
    • Censorship
      • HB 1607 places limits on teaching about racial and/or gender identity and any institution that violates this section is ineligible to receive state funds.
      • HB 2736 censors certain materials from being available in libraries at public institutions of higher education
      • SB16 restricts curriculum content and discussion about race, sex, or ethnicity and social, political, or religious backgrounds and beliefs.
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies and programs
      • HB 1006 requires that each institution of higher education “maintain political, social, and cultural neutrality” and prohibits institutional support for DEI programs
      • HB 1046 prohibits requiring affirmation of DEI in admissions, employment, and promotion
      • HB 3164 bans DEI offices and employees at public institutions of higher education
      • HB 3682 prevents use of an applicant’s race, color, or any protected characteristic in admissions decisions.
      • HB 5001 bans requirement for diversity training for admissions or registration.
      • HB 5140 bans the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in admissions.
      • SB17 bans DEI policies and programs; prohibits DEI statements in admissions, employment, and promotion; bans DEI offices and employees, requires a no-hire list to be maintained of employees violating this section, and requires termination of an employee that violates this section for a second time; and prohibits students, staff and faculty to be on a President’s search committee.
      • SB 2313 prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring diversity training as a condition for enrollment or registration.
    • Prohibiting faculty from determining certain admissions standards
      • SB 518 requires standardized tests for admissions for first-time-in-college, graduate, and professional studies (professional studies include Business, Law and Medicine)
    • Other bills to reduce ability to recruit and retain faculty members
      • SB 1799 limits employment contracts for staff and faculty at junior colleges to one year
      • SB 147 prevents citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from owning property
    • Making attendance at college more expensive for students
      • SB 518 requires standardized tests for admissions for first-time-in-college, graduate, and professional studies
      • HB 859 / HB 1117 prevent undocumented students in public institutions of higher ed from being considered residents of Texas.
      • HB 3280 prevents undocumented students in public institutions of higher ed from being considered residents of Texas and requires public institutions of higher ed to report undocumented students enrolled there to campus police or other local law enforcement.
    • Banning certain students from admission
      • HB 4736 bans from admission to an institution of higher education any citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia as well as undocumented students.
    • Changing accreditation of academic and governance standards
      • SB 1913 extends the three official accreditation agencies for public and private institutions of higher education by allowing any “recognized accrediting agency”. The three official accreditation agencies for general education, medicine and law require demonstration of academic freedom, diversity, and shared governance. The American Bar Association also requires training in racial and gender justice for law students.
      • HB 4880 creates a state agency to evaluate higher ed accreditation agencies. This is currently done by the federal government.
    • Banning transgender athletes
      • HB 23 restricts participation in K-12 and higher ed athletics based on biological sex
      • SB15 restricts participation on an intercollegiate athletic team based on biological sex
    • Restricting voting access by students, staff and faculty
      • HB 2390 bans voting locations on college campuses

    In the Texas Legislature, the Lt. Gov. presides over the Senate. In the Senate, the Lt. Gov. forms the committees, assigns bills to committees, and decides what bills come to the floor for a vote. The Texas Senate has 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats. See “Lieutenant Governor of Texas” for more info. The Speaker of the House presides over the House. In the House, the Speaker forms the committees, maintains order during floor debates, and votes on House Bills. The Texas House has 86 Republicans and 64 Democrats. See “Frequently Asked Questions” by the Texas House of Representatives.

    Here are links to several national AAUP statements on related issues:

    House Bills and Joint Resolutions

    HB 8VanDeaver, Gary (R)Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.
    HB 23Swanson, Valoree (R)Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.
    HB 75Zwiener, Erin (D)Relating to acceptable forms of identification for voting.
    HB 104Klick, Stephanie (R)Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain nurses employed by a long-term care facility.
    HB 116Canales, Terry (D)Relating to a distance learning program at The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
    HB 157Ortega, Evelina (D)Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.
    Refiled from the 87th Legislative Session and same as SB 174
    HB 164Canales, Terry (D)Relating to exempting textbooks purchased, used, or consumed by university and college students from sales and use taxes for limited periods.
    Refiled from the 87th Legislative Session and same as SB 278
    HB 170 Spiller, David(R)Relating to certain requirements applicable to certain public entities that engage in lobbying.
    HB 202Bucy, John (D)Relating to a pay raise for certain state employees
    HB 306Bernal, Diego (D)Relating to student access to certain academic records; authorizing a fee.
    HB 320Johnson, Jarvis (D)Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.
    HB 334Johnson, Jarvis(D)Relating to contracts to provide appropriate residential housing to students in extended foster care who enroll at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 354 Bucy, John (D)Relating to acceptable forms of identification for voting.
    Refiled from the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 402Schofield, Mike(R)Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly.
    HB 429Schofeld, Mike (R)Relating to annual cost-of-living increases applicable to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 481Goldman, Craig (R)Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly.
    Same as HB 707
    HB 547Cain, Briscoe (R)Relating to tuition and fee bills or billing statements provided to students by public institutions of higher education
    Refiled from the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 567  Bowers, Rhetta (D)Relating to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race
    Same as SB 1356; refiled from the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 584Capriglione, Giovanni (R)Relating to the development of a state information technology credential offered by public junior colleges to address shortages in the state information resources workforce
    Same as SB 635
    HB 600Bonnen, Greg (R)Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of systems and programs administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
    HB 602  Shaheen, Matt (R)Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.
    HB 621Shaheen, Matthew (R)Relating to creating a temporary educator certification for certain military service members
    HB 683Cole, Sheryl (D) Relating to the exemption of tuition and laboratory fees at public institutions of higher education for certain paramedics.
    HB 707Geren, Charlie (R)Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouse
    Same as HB 481
    HB 742Goodwin, Vikki (D)Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain county jailers and law enforcement telecommunicators.
    HB 750  Dean, Jay (R)Relating to the disposition by a public junior college library of certain library materials.
    HB 845  Patterson, Jared (R)Relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education from providing financial support to nonprofit media organizations.
    HB 859  Slaton, Bryan (R)Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
    Same as HB 1117 and refiled version of HB 1486 in 87th Legislative Session
    HB 877Meza, Terry (D)Relating to a study by the Legislative Budget Board concerning the long-term effects of regulating tuition rates and amounts charged by public institutions of higher education.
    HB 878  Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara (D)Relating to a single common course numbering system for and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education in this state.
    Refiled version of HB 811 in 87th Legislative Session
    HB 901Klick, Stephanie (R) Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education including the provision of loan repayment assistance to nursing faculty and the provision of grants to nursing education programs.
    HB 906 Moody, Joe (D)Relating to the provision of information regarding mental health and suicide prevention services to entering students at public institutions of higher education
    Same as SB 633
    HB 989  Howard, Donna (D)Relating to the establishment of a higher education plan for human papillomavirus education and prevention.
    Refiled version of HB 3738 and SB 1477 in the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 990  Howard, Donna (D)Relating to the task force on racial diversity in the nursing workforce.
    Refiled version of HB 3738 and SB 1477 in 87th Legislative Session
    HB 1006  Tepper, Carl (F)(R)Relating to protected expression, intellectual freedom, and viewpoint diversity at public institutions of higher education.
    Please see post on House Bill to Restrict Speech
    HB 1033  Tepper, Carl (F)(R)Relating to prohibiting the use of political tests by governmental entities and certain government contracts.
    Please see post on House Bill to Restrict Speech
    HB 1044  Hinojosa, Gina (D)Relating to the issuance of a transcript by a postsecondary educational institution to a student who is in default on certain student loans.
    Same as SB 642 
    HB 1046  Tepper, Carl (F)(R)Relating to prohibiting the use of political tests by public institutions of higher education.
    Please see post on House Bill to Restrict Speech
    HB 1053  Rosenthal, Jon (D)Relating to measures to facilitate the successful completion of degree and certificate programs by certain adult learners at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 1077Martinez, Armando (D)Relating to the establishment of a public law school in the Rio Grande Valley.
    Related to HB 157
    HB 1117Leo-Wilson, Terri (F)(R)Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
    Same as HB 859 and refiled version of HB 1486 in the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 1142Thierry, Shawn (D)Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.
    Same as SB 1073 and refiled version of HB 214 in the 87th Legislative Session
    HB 1165Thierry, Shawn (D)Relating to medical education coursework in cultural competence and implicit bias.
    HB 1183Harrison, Brian (R)Relating to requiring coursework in economics for an associate or baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.
    HB 1192Turner, Chris (D)Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.
    HB 1276 Hinojosa, Gina (D)Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
    Refiled version of HB 1521 in the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 1323Talarico, James (D)Relating to the measures to encourage eligible students to claim certain tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students who are or have been in foster or other residential care.
    Same as SB 455
    HB 1329Morales, Eddie (D)Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain health care workers employed in rural counties.
    Refiled version of HB 2493 in the 87th Legislative Session.
    HB 1338Raney, John (R)Relating to the participation of community-based organizations in workforce training programs funded by the skills development fund.
    HB 1361Morales Shaw, Penny (D)Relating to the designation of liaison officers to assist certain students at public institutions of higher education who are parents.
    Same as SB 597
    HB 1393Frank, James (R)Relating to an optional service retirement annuity of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 1406Lujan, John (R)Relating to the measures to encourage eligible students to claim certain tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students who are or have been in foster or other residential care.
    HB 1419Cain, Briscoe (R)Relating to the repeal of certain limitations on bacterial meningitis vaccination exemptions for students at institutions of higher education.
    HB 1473Rose, Toni (D)Relating to the standard service and disability retirement benefits for members of the employee class of the Employees Retirement System of Texas
    HB 1474Guillen, Ryan (R)Relating to protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
    Same as SB 412
    HB 1501Walle, Armando (D)Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
    Same as SB 557
    HB 1508Darby, Drew (R)
    Relating to certain powers and duties in relation to information resources at public institutions of higher education and other state agencies.
    HB 1509Patterson, Jared (R)Relating to an annual report on financial support provided by public institutions of higher education to nonprofit media organizations.
    HB 1551Anchia, Rafael (D)Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.
    Same as SB 532
    HB 1574Harris, Caroline (F)(R)Relating to early registration for parenting students at public institutions of higher education.
    Same as SB 459
    HB 1604González, Mary (D)Relating to a report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding students with disabilities in higher education.
    HB 1607Harris, Cody (R)Relating to prohibiting certain instruction as part of a course at a public institution of higher education.
    HB 1636Canales, Terry (D)Relating to baccalaureate degree programs offered by certain public junior colleges.
    Same as SB 672
    HB 1703Ordaz, Claudia (D)Relating to the workforce development evaluation system administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.
    HB 1725Vasut, Cody (R)Relating to the payment of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas who resume service.
    HB 1729Rogers, Glenn (R)Relating to a one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    Same as SB 669 and and HB 1961.
    HB 1755Button, Angie Chen (R)Relating to the creation of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund.
    Same as SB 592
    HB 1758Allen, Alma (D)Relating to the payment of certain employer contributions for employed retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 1760Hefner, Cole (R)Relating to the prosecution of the offense of possessing a weapon in certain prohibited places associated with schools or postsecondary educational institutions.
    HB 1790Rogers, Glenn (R)Relating to the payment of certain employer contributions for employed retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 1794Schaefer, Matt (R)Relating to the eligibility of The University of Texas at Tyler to receive formula funding for the university’s school of pharmacy.
    HB 1802Capriglione, Giovanni (R)Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.
    HB 1810Cain, Briscoe (R)Relating to protection from employment retaliation for reporting the existence of certain policies, patterns, or practices of a local entity or institution of higher education related to immigration.
    HB 1816Muñoz, Sergio (D)Relating to the governing board of certain junior college districts.
    HB 1856Jones, Jolanda (F)(D)Relating to a firearms policy for campus peace officers commissioned by a public institution of higher education.
    HB 1912Button, Angie Chen (R)Relating to student buildings fees at The University of Texas at Dallas.
    Same as SB 696
    HB 1935Raymond, Richard Peña (D)Relating to a study on best practices in STEM programs at minority-serving public institutions of higher education and to a grant program to implement those practices.
    Refiled version of HB 1624 in the 87th Legislature Session
    HB 1960Morales, Eddie (D)Relating to the name of and the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.
    HB 1961Leach, Jeff (R)Relating to a one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    Same as SB 669 and HB 1729
    HB 1976Johnson, JarvisRelating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
    Same as SB 438
    HB 1997Ortega, Evelina (D)Relating to a study regarding establishing a public law school as a professional school of The University of Texas at El Paso.
    HB 2012Oliverson, Tom (R) and Metcalf, Will (R)Relating to the display of the national motto in public school and institution of higher education classrooms.
    HB 2046Muñoz, Sergio (D)Relating to eligibility to receive certain federal funding for postsecondary career and technology education distributed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    HB 2100Price, Four (R)Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.
    Same as SB 804
    HB 2108Allison, Steve (R)Relating to eligibility for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
    Same as SB 937
    HB 2160 Hinojosa, Gina (D)Relating to mental health professional staffing requirements at law schools at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 2177Stucky, Lynn (R)Relating to establishing a digital textbook and learning materials subscription pilot program.
    HB 2197Lopez, Ray (D)Relating to assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces.
    HB 2264Talarico, James (D)Relating to requiring public junior colleges to award course credit to students who hold a Child Development Associate credential.
    HB 2270Moody, Joe (D)Relating to a requirement that certain students, interns, residents, and fellows receiving a clinical education at public or nonprofit hospitals receive an annual comprehensive health examination.
    HB 2280Anchía, Rafael (D)Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.
    HB 2340Guillen, Ryan (R)Relating to the effective date of retirement for certain members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 2390Isaac, Carrie (R)Relating to prohibiting the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of institutions of higher education.
    HB 2407Talarico, James (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.
    HB 2445Dutton, Harold (D)
    Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.
    HB 2448Guillen, Ryan (R)Relating to creating a framework for including certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.
    HB 2504Button, Angie Chen (R)Relating to the award of scholarship money by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain accounting students.
    HB 2540Raymond, Richard Peña (D)Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for the siblings of certain military personnel.
    HB 2579Davis, Yvonne (D)Relating to adjustments to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 2585Thierry, Shawn (D)Relating to automatic voter registration of students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
    HB 2631Jones, Jolanda (D)Relating to the withdrawal or revocation of an athletic scholarship by a public institution of higher education on the basis of a student athlete’s injury, illness, or disability.
    HB 2637Jones, Jolanda (D)Relating to a study on certain declines in minority participation at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 2639Clardy, Thomas (R)Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
    Same as SB 1055
    HB 2642Howard, Donna (D)Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women’s health programs to students.
    HB 2724Bell, Cecil (R)Relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education from partnering with certain private entities for the construction of a student housing facility.
    HB 2736Toth, Steve (R)Relating to requirements regarding certain student resources provided to public and private school students by a public or private primary or secondary school, institution of higher education, state agency, or public library.
    Same as SB 1152
    HB 2760Hefner, Cole (R)Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
    HB 2804Kuempel, John (R)Relating to use of the name, image, or likeness of a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at an institution of higher education.
    HB 2871González, Mary (D)Relating to adjustments to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 2920Paul, Dennis (R)Relating to the information maintained by the Texas Education Agency regarding postsecondary education and career opportunities.
    HB 3024Canales, Terry (D)Relating to baccalaureate degree programs offered by certain public junior colleges.
    HB 3048Raney, John (D)Relating to the authority of certain public institutions of higher education to offer programs and courses in junior college district service areas.
    HB 3085Lalani, Salman (D)Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.
    HB 3149Zwiener, Erin (D)Relating to the creation of a universal higher education savings trust account by the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.
    HB 3164Tepper | Noble | Jetton | Patterson | Capriglione with co-authors
    Bumgarner | Cain | Cook | Dorazio | Frank | Gates | Gerdes | Harris, Cody | Harrison | Hull | Isaac | Kitzman | Lujan | Orr | Slawson | Smith | Swanson | Thimesch | Toth | VanDeaver | Vasut | Wilson
    Relating to the prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and employees at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3172Bucy, John (D)Relating to the availability of menstrual products and lactation rooms at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3211Stucky, Lynn (R)Relating to a campus of the Texas State Technical College System located in Denton County.
    HB 3268Talarico, James (D)Relating to repealing certain restrictions and prohibitions regarding labor unions.
    HB 3280Leo-Wilson, Terri (R)Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3287Anderson, Charles (R)Relating to the locations of the campuses of the Texas State Technical College System.
    HB 3296Raney, John (R)Relating to reporting requirements regarding certain data related to students at two-year public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3337Cole, Sheryl (D)Relating to the provision of menstrual products at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3471Bucy, John (D)Relating to the general responsibility of public institutions of higher education and to protected expression and academic freedom at those institutions.
    HB 3486Turner, Chris (D)Relating to the requirements for the early college education program and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education.
    HB 3552Thierry, Shawn (D)Relating to the creation of the Texas Slavery and Segregation Commission.
    HB 3561VanDeaver, Gary (R)Relating to the payment of certain contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas who resume service.
    HB 3569Allison, Steven (R)Relating to authorizing cost-of-living adjustments applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 3619Burrows, Dustin (R)Relating to prohibiting the investment of the permanent university fund, the national research university fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial companies that boycott certain energy companies.
    HB 3627Lalani, Salman (D)Relating to signs posted by public institutions of higher education to facilitate the reporting of and to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
    HB 3631Lalani, Salman (D)Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding mental health services to entering students.
    HB 3636Goodwin, Vikki (D)Relating to a cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and a study on the feasibility of providing annual adjustments and an optional cash balance benefit under the system.
    HB 3638VanDeaver, Gary (R)Relating to the break-in service period for certain retirees preventing the loss of benefits and the state making payments for certain retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas who resume service.
    HB 3674Rogers, Glenn (R)Relating to the creation of a rural dual credit grant program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    HB 3676Rogers, Glenn (R)Relating to the creation of a rural dual credit pilot program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    HB 3682Tepper, Carl (F)(R)Relating to a prohibition against affirmative action in governmental employment and in higher education admissions.
    HB 3687Meza, Terry (D)Relating to the use by a public institution of higher education of money appropriated to the institution by the legislature as part of an across-the-board salary increase for state employees.
    HB 3698Jones, Jolanda (D)Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women’s health programs to students.
    HB 3851Paul, Dennis (R)Relating to academic boycotts at institutions of higher education.
    HB 3901Burns, DeWayne (R)Relating to a cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    HB 3911Herrero, Abel (D)Relating to a cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
    HB 3988Reynolds, Ron (D)Relating to the creation of the Texas Advanced Research Institute.
    Same as SB 1974 
    HB 3993Paul, Dennis (R)Relating to the automatic admission of students with a nontraditional secondary education to certain public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4005Raney, John (R)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4019Jones, Venton (D)Relating to inquiries into the criminal and disciplinary history of an applicant for undergraduate admission to a public institution of higher education.
    HB 4021Howard, Donna (D)Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
    HB 4043Hayes, Richard (R)Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4058Cortez, Philip (D)Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
    HB 4086Kuempel, John (R)Relating to the identification and mapping of aggregate production operations by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.
    HB 4092Dutton, Harold (D)Relating to the methods to achieve a college, career, or military outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program.
    HB 4104Johnson, Ann (D)Relating to a nursing dual credit pilot program.
    HB 4109Troxclair, Ellen (R)Relating to the information maintained by the Texas Education Agency regarding postsecondary education and career opportunities.
    HB 4131Bailes, Ernest (R)Relating to the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.
    HB 4137Plesa, Mihaela (D)Relating to the provision of contraceptive methods at public institutions of higher education
    HB 4162Wu, Gene (D)Relating to housing between academic terms for certain students at public institutions of higher education who were formerly under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
    HB 4251Cook, David (R)Relating to the provision of postsecondary education to certain inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
    HB 4315Hefner, Cole (R)Relating to the participation of the medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in the Joint Admission Medical Program.
    HB 4330Bhojani, Salman (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4339Frank, James (R)Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain disadvantaged children and their siblings to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
    HB 4340Frank, James (R)Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain children to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
    HB 4363Kuempel, John (R)Relating to the establishment of a scholarship program for aspiring classroom teachers.
    HB 4374Lujan, John (R)Relating to substance abuse awareness programs in public schools and public institutions of higher education
    HB 4411Dutton, Harold (D)Relating to the apprenticeship system of adult career and technology education.
    HB 4419Goldman, Craig (R)Relating to the promotion of the film and television production industry in this state.
    HB 4434Kuempel, John (R)Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.
    HB 4437Kuempel, John (R)Relating to the confidentiality of student records held by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    HB 4448Reynolds, Ron (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4462Frank, James (R)Relating to transferring data analysis and certain reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Texas Tech University System.
    HB 4466Gervin-HawkinsRelating to the offering of certain high school courses for which students may earn college credit.
    HB 4487Smith, Reggie (R)Relating to student loan repayment assistance for prosecutors and certain criminal lawyers practicing in rural counties.
    HB 4490Garcia, Josey (D)Relating to educational benefits for eligible persons attending a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities
    HB 4510Smithee, John (R)Relating to annual financial reports submitted by state agencies.
    HB 4523Howard, Donna (D)Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
    HB 4554Slaton, Bryan (R)Relating to the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
    HB 4570Bucy, John (D)Relating to the language in which certain courses are offered by a public institution of higher education
    HB 4571Bucy, John (D)Relating to measures to address student hunger at postsecondary educational institutions.
    HB 4578Longoria, Oscar (D)Relating to limitations on the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions.
    HB 4594Garcia, Josey (D)Relating to a study regarding the needs of military bases located in the state and programs of study offered at school districts and institutions of higher education to prepare students for employment on a military base.
    HB 4605Burns, DeWayne (R)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Leadership Scholars Program to serve as a merit-based scholarship and leadership opportunity for high-achieving, emerging leaders with financial need.
    HB 4617Bumgarner, Benjamin (R)Relating to the requirements for an electronic system to monitor tuition and fee exemptions for veterans and military personnel and their dependents.
    HB 4619Johnson, AnnRelating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.
    HB 4631Longoria, Oscar (D)Relating to the creation of the Opportunity High School Diploma pilot program.
    HB 4666Dean, Jay (R)Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.
    HB 4678Bryant, John (D)Relating to establishing a social work recruitment and retention program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    HB 4684Howard, Donna (D)Relating to nursing educational programs offered by for-profit entities.
    HB 4722Howard, Donna (D)Relating to the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant program.
    HB 4736Tinderholt, Tony (R)Relating to the enrollment, including admission and resident status, of certain persons by public institutions of higher education.
    HB 4766Dutton, Harold (D)Relating to payment by a school district of the costs of developmental coursework provided by an institution of higher education under the success initiative.
    HB 4778Dutton, Harold (D)Relating to the oversight of Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
    HB 4814Gerdes, Stan (R)Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.
    HB 4827Leo-Wilson, Teri (R)Relating to the prosecution of the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in certain prohibited places associated with schools or educational institutions.
    HB 4880Tepper, Carl (R)(F)Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education; providing a private cause of action.
    HB 4906Hefner, Cole (R)Relating to the authority to obtain certain search warrants of certain peace officers for school districts, state institutions of higher education, and public technical institutes.
    HB 4935Allen, Alma (D)Relating to certain duties of a public institution of higher education in relation to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
    HB 4968Guillen, Ryan (R)Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
    HB 4990Bonnen, Greg (R)Relating to the creation, management, and administration of the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative.
    HB 4997Kuempel, John (R)Relating to a campus of the Texas State Technical College System located in Comal County and Guadalupe County.
    HB 4997Morales, Eddie (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Center for Rural Health Education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine.
    HB 5001Toth, Steve (R)Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education from requiring diversity training as a condition for enrollment or registration.
    HB 5033Jones, Jolanda (D)Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
    HB 5073RaymondRelating to benefits and services for veterans and certain other related benefits.
    HB 5074Harrison, Brian (R)Relating to the issuance of a license to practice medicine to certain applicants licensed or educated in a foreign country.
    HB 5108Harrison, Brian (R)Relating to a study and report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding a teacher apprenticeship program.
    HB 5111Allen, Alma (D)Relating to requirements for the early college education program.
    HB 5112Schatzline, Nate (R)Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.
    HB 5126Shaheen, Matt (R)Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to publish certain online resources.
    HB 5127Shaheen, Matt (R)Relating to public higher education reform; authorizing administrative penalties.
    HB 5140Cain, Briscoe (R)
    Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.
    HB 5146Raney, John (R)Relating to the establishment of the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
    HB 5148Raney, John (R)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
    HJR 2Bonnen, Greg (R)Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide one-time or ongoing benefit enhancements to eligible annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, including a one-time transfer of funds for that purpose.
    HJR 3Bonnen, Greg (R)
    Proposing a constitutional amendment renaming the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund, providing for the appropriation of certain investment income from the economic stabilization fund to the Texas University Fund, excepting appropriations to and from the Texas University Fund from the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations, and appropriating money from the general revenue fund to the Texas University Fund to be spent for purposes of providing funding to certain public institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy
    HJR 21Schofield, Mike (R)Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain political subdivisions may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly.
    HJR 24Lopez, Ray (D)Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the legislature to appropriate funds to state institutions of higher education to fund certain education programs for veterans.
    HJR 30Goldman, Craig(R)Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain political subdivisions may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly.
    HJR 49 Geren, Charlie(R)Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain political subdivisions may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly.
    HJR 67Lopez, Ray (D)Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the legislature to appropriate funds to state institutions of higher education to fund certain education benefits provided to veterans and family members of veterans.
    HR 274Martinez, Armando (D)Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Rio Grande Valley Day at the State Capitol.
    HR 275Stucky, Lynn (R)Recognizing February 21, 2023, as University of North Texas Day.
    HR 286Morrison, Geannie (R)Recognizing March 7, 2023, as University of Houston-Victoria Day at the State Capitol.
    HR 318Paul, Dennis (R)Recognizing March 7, 2023, as University of Houston-Clear Lake Day at the State Capitol.
    HR 346Frank, James (R)Commemorating the centennial of Midwestern State University.
    HB 354Tepper | ThimeschCommemorating the 100th anniversary of Texas Tech University.
    HR 358Darby, Drew (R)Recognizing March 21, 2023, as Angelo State University Day at the State Capitol.
    HR 437Ortega | Moody | Ordaz | Morales, EddieCommemorating the 10th anniversary of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso becoming an independent university within the Texas Tech University System.
    HR 487Tepper, Carl (F)(R)Honoring Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on its achievements.
    HR 520Dutton, Harold (D)Requesting the Speaker of the House to create an interim committee to study issues relating to food insecurity in Texas.

    Senate Bills and Joint Resolutions

    SB 34  Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
    Refiled version of SB 33 in 87th Legislative Session
    SB 35  Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.
    SB 36  Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to the establishment and operation of the Texas B-On-time student loan program.
    Refiled version of SB 35 in 87th Legislative Session
    SB
    37  
    Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Relating to the criminal offense of hazing.
    SB 116Menendez, Jose (D)Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification.
    SB 118Menéndez, José (D) et al.Relating to the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of certain institutions of higher education.
    SB 174Blanco, César (D)Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.
    Refiled from the 87th Legislative Session and same as HB 157
    SB 194Miles, Borris (D)Relating to the creation of the Texas African American Heritage Commission.
    SB 200  Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
    SB 205  Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.
    SB 244  Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education including the provision of loan repayment assistance to nursing faculty and the provision of grants to nursing education programs.
    Companion to HB 901 in 88th Legislative Session
    SB 257  Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
    Refiled version of SB 388 in 87th Legislative Session
    SB 278 Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to exempting textbooks purchased, used, or consumed by university and college students from sales and use taxes for limited periods.
    Same as HB 164
    SB 286Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to conditions on the continued receipt of tuition and fee benefits at public institutions of higher education for senior citizens.
    SB 336Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Relating to compliance programs at public institutions of higher education
    SB 371 Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.
    SB 408Hinojosa, Juan (D)Relating to the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
    Refiled versions of HB 1559 and SB 575 in the 87th Legislative Session
    SB 411Paxton, Angela (R)
    Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to make available to students certain pregnancy–related informational materials published by the Department of State Health Services.
    SB 412Paxton, Angela (R)Relating to protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
    Same as HB 1474
    SB 413Paxton, Angela (R)Relating to protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
    Duplicate of SB 412
    SB 427Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Relating to requiring certain institutions of higher education to enter into an agreement to offer undergraduate courses in Texas History.
    SB 428Middleton, Mayes (R)Relating to the limitation on the number of baccalaureate degree programs a public junior college may offer.
    SB 429Middleton, Mayes (R)Relating to the requirements for a public junior college to receive approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer a baccalaureate degree program.
    SB 438Menéndez, José (D)Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
    Same as HB 1976
    SB 453Menéndez, José (D)Relating to the enforcement of certain requirements regarding the transfer of course credit between public institutions of higher education.
    Refiled version of SB 102 in the 87th Legislative Session
    SB 454Menéndez, José (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Emergency Aid for Public Postsecondary Students (TEAPPS) grant program for students at certain public institutions of higher education.
    SB 455Menéndez, José (D)Relating to the measures to encourage eligible students to claim certain tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for students who are or have been in foster or other residential care.
    Same as HB 1323
    SB 458Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Relating to nursing educational programs offered by for-profit entities.
    SB 459Paxton, Angela (R)Relating to early registration for parenting students at public institutions of higher education.
    Same as HB 1574
    SB 462Parker, Tan (R) Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
    SB 473Hughes, Bryan (R)Relating to providing information to undergraduate students regarding certain fixed or flat tuition rates provided by certain public institutions of higher education.
    SB 487Springer, Drew (R)Relating to authorizing of any Community College District to offer a baccalaureate degree program in the field of education.
    SB 518 Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Relating to requiring the consideration of standardized test scores as a factor in nonautomatic admissions decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.
    SB 526West, Royce (D)Relating to requiring prior approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer a degree or certificate program to certain persons who are incarcerated or subject to involuntary civil commitment.
    SB 532West, Royce (D)Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.
    Same as HB 1551
    SB 548Blanco, Cesar (D)Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.
    Refiled version of SB 167 in the 87th Legislative Session
    SB 557West, Royce (D)Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
    Same as HB 1501
    SB 588Hughes, Bryan (R)Relating to creating a temporary educator certification for certain military service members and first responders.
    SB 592Alvarado, Carol (D)Relating to the creation of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund.
    Same as HB 1755
    SB 597Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the designation of liaison officers to assist certain students at public institutions of higher education who are parents.
    Same as HB 1361
    SB 601Birdwell, Brian (R)Relating to a campus of the Texas State Technical College System located in Ellis County.
    SB 633Menéndez, José (D)Relating to the provision of information regarding mental health and suicide prevention services to entering students at public institutions of higher education.
    Same as HB 906
    SB 635Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the development of a state information technology credential offered by public junior colleges to address shortages in the state information resources workforce.
    Same as HB 584
    SB 642Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Relating to the issuance of a transcript by a postsecondary educational institution to a student who is in default on certain student loans.
    Same as HB 1044
    SB 646Nichols, Robert (R)Relating to formula funding for certain nonresident students enrolled at Lamar State College–Orange.
    SB 649Middleton, Mayes (R)Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.
    SB 657Menéndez, José (D)Relating to the establishment of the Texas Teacher Recruitment Scholarship Program and the Texas Teacher Retention Incentive Program.
    SB 669West, Royce (D)Relating to a one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    Same as HB 1729 and HB 1961.
    SB 672Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Relating to baccalaureate degree programs offered by certain public junior colleges.
    Same as HB 1636
    SB 689Middleton, Mayes (R)Relating to the establishment of a public safety dual credit grant program by the Texas Education Agency.
    SB 692Zaffirini,
    Judith (D) and Hinojosa, Juan (D)
    Relating to baccalaureate degree programs offered by certain public junior colleges.
    SB 695Hughes, Bryan (R)Relating to funding for The University of Texas at Tyler’s school of pharmacy.
    SB 696West, Royce (D)Relating to student buildings fees at The University of Texas at Dallas.
    Same as HB 1912 
    SB 708LaMantia, Morgan (D)Relating to certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.
    SB 729Huffman, Joan (R)Relating to the cash balance benefit under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
    SB 779Perry, Charles (R)Relating to the use of scholarship money awarded by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain fifth-year accounting students.
    SB 804Schwertner, Charles (R)Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.
    Same as HB 2100
    SB 846Blanco, César (D)Relating to authorizing the insurance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.
    SB 847Blanco, César (D)Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso.
    SB 928Parker, Tan (R) Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.
    SB 937Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to eligibility for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
    Same as HB 2108
    SB 951Perry, Charles (R)Relating to the award of scholarship money by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to certain accounting students.
    SB 969Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain correctional officers and jailers.
    SB 992Hinojosa, Juan (D)Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
    SB 999West, Royce (D)Relating to the requirement that providers of active shooter training at public schools and institutions of higher education obtain a certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
    SB 1055Nichols, Robert (R)Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
    Same HB 2639
    SB 1058Perry, Charles (R)Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.
    SB 1073West, Royce (D)
    Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.
    Same as HB 1142
    SB 1128Blanco, César (D)Relating to the service of and certain benefits for members of the Texas military forces, including tuition assistance at postsecondary educational institutions.
    SB 1152Hall, Lucey (R)Relating to requirements regarding certain student resources provided to public and private school students by a public or private primary or secondary school, institution of higher education, state agency, or public library.
    Same as HB 2736
    SB 1201Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to the development of a state information technology credential offered by public junior colleges to address shortages in the state information resources workforce.
    SB 1223Zaffirini, Judith (D)Relating to the definition of “school year” for purposes of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
    SB 1326Blanco, César (D)Relating to a requirement that certain students, interns, residents, and fellows receiving a clinical education at public or nonprofit hospitals receive an annual comprehensive health examination.
    Same as HB 2270 
    SB 1350LaMantia, Morgan (D)Relating to the exemption of tuition and laboratory fees at public institutions of higher education for certain paramedics.
    SB 1356Miles, Borris (D)Relating to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race.
    Same as HB 567
    SB 1711Perry, Charles (R)Relating to the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.
    SB 1733Johnson, Ann (DRelating to the establishment of a housing assistance pilot program to assist certain students enrolled in public junior colleges.
    SB 1758Schwertner, Charles (R)Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.
    SB 1773Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to an annual adjustment for inflation to the monthly amount of longevity pay for state employees.
    SB 1784Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Relating to use of the name, image, or likeness of a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at an institution of higher education.
    SB 1796Menéndez, José (D)Relating to establishing a social work recruitment and retention program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    SB 1876Middleton, Mayes (R)Relating to the transfer of course credit between public institutions of higher education.
    SB 1887West, Royce (D)Relating to the requirements for the early college education program and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education.
    SB 1944Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Relating to the standard service retirement benefits for members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
    SB 1974Miles, Borris (D)Relating to the creation of the Texas Advanced Research Institute.
    SB 2313Hughes, Bryan (R)Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education from requiring diversity training as a condition for enrollment or registration.
    SJR 26Perry, Charles (R)Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
    SJR 49Perry, Charles (R)Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
    SJR 69Perry, Charles (R)Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
    SR 133Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Recognizing February 9, 2023, as St. Edward’s University Day.
    SR 171Nichols, Robert (R)Recognizing Stephen F. Austin State University on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
    SR 174All Senators and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R)Recognizing February 15, 2023 as Orange and Maroon Legislative Day.
    SR 192Springer, Drew (R) | Perry, Charles (R)Recognizing February 21, 2023, as University of North Texas Day.
    SR 195Perry, Charles (R)Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Lubbock Day.
    SR 196LaMantia, Morgan (D) | Hinojosa, Juan (D) | Zaffirini,
    Judith (D)
    Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Rio Grande Valley Day at the State Capitol.
    SR 197Kolkhorst, Lois (R) | Miles, Borris (D) | West, Royce (D)Recognizing the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University on its contributions to higher education.
    SR 211Menéndez | Alvarado | Bettencourt | Campbell | Creighton | Flores | Gutierrez | Johnson | Kolkhorst | LaMantia | Parker | Perry | Schwertner | ZaffiriniRecognizing February 22, 2023, as UTSA Day.
    SR 227Perry | SpringerRecognizing the centennial of Midwestern State University.
    SR 234Miles | Alvarado | Bettencourt | Creighton | Huffman | Middleton | WhitmireRecognizing March 2, 2023, as University of Houston Day.
    SR 242Perry, Charles (R)Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Texas Tech University.
    SR 250Hinojosa | LaMantiaRecognizing February 28, 2023, as Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Day.
    SR 263Eckhardt, Sarah (D)Commemorating the Capital of Texas Undergraduate Research Conference.
    SR 282Miles | Alvarado | West | WhitmireRecognizing March 7, 2023, as Texas Southern University Day.
    SR 283Kolkhorst, Lois (R)Recognizing March 7, 2023, as University of Houston-Victoria Day.
    SR 287Miles | Alvarado | WhitmireRecognizing March 8, 2023, as University of Houston-Downtown Day.
    SR 292Perry | SparksHonoring Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on its achievements.
  • Benefits and Impact of Joining AAUP

    We are facing unprecedented challenges to academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance in Texas and beyond. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is on the front lines advocating for current and future faculty with university administrations, boards of regents, state legislatures, and the federal government.

    We invite tenure-track, tenured and professional faculty as well as research staff, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students to join AAUP. Since its founding in 1915, AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain education quality and academic freedom in this country’s colleges and universities. AAUP is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (1.7M members including 148,000 faculty members).

    Link to join AAUP or renew your AAUP membership.

    Here are specific benefits to you as an AAUP member:

    Membership funds will allow AAUP national to support

    • members facing tenure denial, termination, or disciplinary action
    • committees formulating educational, research and other policies

    In November 2021, AAUP successfully intervened on behalf of Huriya Jabbar and other UT Austin faculty members on the GoKAR! Project after UT Austin administration had paused the project. (See the AAUP Academe article and Texas Tribune story.)

  • AAUP’s 2023 Legislative Agenda

    The AAUP’s Governing Council approved a Legislative and Policy Agenda for 2023 that includes

    • A Federal-State Partnership for Free College
    • Federal Funding for Higher Education Programs (Pell Grant, etc.)
    • Advancing the Economic Security and Collective Bargaining Rights of Faculty
    • Upholding Academic Freedom and Opposing Legislative Interference in Teaching
    • State Funding of Higher Education
    • Racial Diversity and College Admissions

    More details here.

  • Advocacy Training for Op-Eds, Social Media Posts, Talking Points, and Meeting Legislators

    Updated March 26, 2023.

    Advocacy is telling your story. For advocacy on academic freedom, tenure, and other higher ed values, tell your story about why you are passionate about teaching, research, and/or service. How has the academic freedom from censorship by the institution or government fostered intellectual exploration and critical thinking skills in the students you’ve taught and those you’ve worked with in research? Any moments of “light bulbs” turning on for students? Any stories of supporting students during the pandemic? Any stories of alumni? What other ways have your teaching, research, and service benefitted Texans and Texas? How has your discipline benefitted Texans and Texas? Please tell your story in way the general public can understand.

    Our Texas Legislature Higher Ed Bill Tracker lists the bills supportive of academic freedom, tenure and other higher ed values and those that aren’t. The Texas AAUP Conference has been advocating at the State Legislature with the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Texas Faculty Association, Texas Association of College Teachers, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. We have now met with all 11 members of the House Higher Education Committee as well as 22 other State Legislators or their staff.

    Below is contact info for Texas AAUP members and other resources that can help you in writing op-eds, social media posts, and talking points, as well as meeting Legislators. Here are the Higher Ed Bills filed in the Texas Legislature being tracked by the Texas AAUP Conference. Here are one-page handouts on the impact of banning teaching of critical race theory, diversity equity & inclusion, and tenure. And here is an Analysis of SB 16, 17 & 18 to ban teaching of critical race theory, ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and eliminate tenure.

    Organize with your colleagues

    Op-ed resources, blogs, and social media posts:

    General Legislative advocacy training

    Talking points and white papers

    Meet Legislators

    Testifying at the Texas Legislature

    National AAUP statements on related issues:

    Receive news about education issues at the State Capitol:

  • Outreach to State Legislature by Faculty Orgs

    For a couple of decades, the following statewide faculty organizations have been working together in outreach to the State Legislature on higher educations issues related to academic freedom, tenure, shared governance, freedom of speech, funding, and other matters:

    More recently, the above faculty orgs have also been working with

    These connections came from AAUP’s affiliation with AFT on August 1st.

    Please see the posts Spring 2023 Legislative Visits and Faculty Visit the State Legislature.