reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9355. Assistance Relating to Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, and Testing

Sec. 51.9355.  ASSISTANCE RELATING TO UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS, FINANCIAL AID, AND TESTING.  (a)  The governing board of each general academic teaching institution shall establish an office at the institution to assist applicants, potential applicants, school counselors at the high school level, and other interested persons requesting assistance relating to:
(1)  applying for admission to a bachelor's degree program at the institution;
(2)  applying for financial aid offered by or through the institution or by an office or agency of this state or the United States for attendance as an undergraduate student at the institution;
(3)  registering for an examination to be taken in connection with admission to a bachelor's degree program at the institution; or
(4)  registering for an examination that may be taken to receive undergraduate course credit at the institution or to determine the skill or placement level of an applicant to or student enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at the institution.
(b)  The office may be operated in connection with the admissions office or another existing office of the institution.
(c)  This section does not require an institution to assist a person in preparing to take an examination.
(d)  In this section, "general academic teaching institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 474, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 51.935 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(22), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 35, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9356. Designation of Liaison Officer to Assist Students Who Are or Were in Foster Care

Sec. 51.9356.  DESIGNATION OF LIAISON OFFICER TO ASSIST STUDENTS WHO ARE OR WERE IN FOSTER CARE.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  Each institution of higher education shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current and incoming students at the institution who are or were formerly in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.  To the extent allowed by state or federal law, the institution shall identify those students from information provided to the institution in admission or financial aid applications or other available resources.
(c)  Each semester or other academic term, an institution of higher education shall provide to the institution's liaison officer the names of and information regarding the students described by Subsection (b).
(d)  The liaison officer shall provide to the students described by Subsection (b) information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution and any other relevant information to assist the students.
(e)  The liaison officer may participate in any training that enables the officer to carry out the officer's duties and coordinate with liaison officers at other educational institutions.
(f)  Each institution of higher education shall publicize, including through the institution's Internet website, social media, electronic mail, or other means of communication used by the institution:
(1)  the name of and contact information for the institution's liaison officer; and
(2)  information regarding support services and other resources available at the institution to the students described by Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 822 (H.B. 3748), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 1702), Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 1702), Sec. 2, eff. May 29, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9357. Designation of Liaison Officer to Assist Certain Students Who Are Parents; Report

Sec. 51.9357.  DESIGNATION OF LIAISON OFFICER TO ASSIST CERTAIN STUDENTS WHO ARE PARENTS; REPORT.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  Each institution of higher education shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current or incoming students at the institution who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age.  The liaison officer shall provide to the students information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution, including:
(1)  resources to access:
(A)  medical and behavioral health coverage and services; and
(B)  public benefit programs, including programs related to food security, affordable housing, and housing subsidies;
(2)  parenting and child care resources;
(3)  employment assistance;
(4)  transportation assistance;
(5)  student academic success strategies; and
(6)  any other resources developed by the institution to assist the students.
(c)  Not later than May 1 of each academic year, an institution of higher education shall submit to the coordinating board a report that contains the following information regarding students enrolled at the institution for the current academic year who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age:
(1)  the number of those students;
(2)  demographic data, including age, race, sex, and ethnicity;
(3)  academic data, including full-time or part-time enrollment status and graduation, transfer, and withdrawal rates; and
(4)  other data as prescribed by coordinating board rule.
(d)  The coordinating board shall adopt rules to administer this section, including rules to ensure compliance with federal law regarding confidentiality of student medical or educational information, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g), and any state law relating to the privacy of student information.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 685 (H.B. 1361), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9358. Designation of Support Services Liaison Officer to Assist Students

Sec. 51.9358.  DESIGNATION OF SUPPORT SERVICES LIAISON OFFICER TO ASSIST STUDENTS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  Each institution of higher education shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current or incoming students at the institution. The liaison officer shall provide to the students comprehensive information regarding support services and other resources available to the students, including:
(1)  resources to access:
(A)  medical and behavioral health coverage and services; and
(B)  public benefit programs, including programs related to food security, affordable housing, and housing subsidies;
(2)  public benefit program case management assistance and counseling;
(3)  parenting and child care resources;
(4)  employment assistance;
(5)  financial counseling and tax preparation assistance;
(6)  transportation assistance;
(7)  student academic success strategies; and
(8)  any other resources developed by the institution to assist the students.
(c)  An institution of higher education may designate under Subsection (b) the same employee to act as liaison officer as the employee designated under Section 51.9356 to act as liaison officer for current and incoming students at the institution who were formerly in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1305 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9362. Overdose Awareness Training for Residential Advisors and Student Organization Officers

Sec. 51.9362.  OVERDOSE AWARENESS TRAINING FOR RESIDENTIAL ADVISORS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATION OFFICERS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Public or private institution of higher education" includes an "institution of higher education" and a "private or independent institution of higher education," as those terms are defined by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Residential advisor" means a student who is employed by a public or private institution of higher education to serve in an advisory capacity for students living in a residential facility.
(3)  "Residential facility" means a residence used exclusively for housing or boarding students or faculty of a public or private institution of higher education.
(4)  "Student organization" includes any organization that is composed mostly of students enrolled at a public or private institution of higher education and that:
(A)  is registered with the institution;
(B)  receives student organization resource fee revenues or other funding from the institution; or
(C)  is otherwise recognized as a student organization by the institution.
(b)  A public or private institution of higher education that imposes any mandatory training requirements on residential advisors or officers of student organizations must ensure that overdose awareness and appropriate response training is included with that training.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1167 (H.B. 3285), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9364. Certain Notations Required on Student Transcripts

Sec. 51.9364.  CERTAIN NOTATIONS REQUIRED ON STUDENT TRANSCRIPTS.  (a)  In this section, "postsecondary educational institution" means an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003.
(b)  If a student is ineligible to reenroll in a postsecondary educational institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason, the institution shall include on the student's transcript a notation stating that the student is ineligible to reenroll in the institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason.
(c)  If a student withdraws from a postsecondary educational institution pending disciplinary charges that may result in the student becoming ineligible to reenroll in the institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason, the institution may not end the disciplinary process until the institution makes a final determination of responsibility, including, if applicable, a determination of whether the student will be ineligible to reenroll in the institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason.  If, as a result of the disciplinary process, the student is ineligible to reenroll in the institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason, the institution shall include on the student's transcript the notation required under Subsection (b).
(d)  On request by the student, a postsecondary educational institution may remove from a student's transcript a notation required under this section if:
(1)  the student is eligible to reenroll in the institution; or
(2)  the institution determines that good cause exists to remove the notation.
(e)  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.  In adopting those rules, the coordinating board shall use the negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 727 (H.B. 449), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.937. Immunity From Liability for Volunteers

Sec. 51.937.  IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR VOLUNTEERS.  (a)  A volunteer who is serving as a direct service volunteer for an institution of higher education is immune from civil liability for any act that:
(1)  is incident to or within the scope of the duties of the volunteer's position;  and
(2)  involves the exercise of judgment or discretion on the part of the volunteer.
(b)  This section does not apply to the operation, use, or maintenance of a motor vehicle.
(c)  This section does not limit the liability of a person for intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
(d)  In this section, "volunteer" means a person providing services for or on behalf of an institution of higher education, on the premises of the institution or at an activity related to or sponsored by the institution on or off of the property of the institution, who does not receive compensation in excess of reimbursement for expenses.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 622, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.940. Student Debit Cards

Sec. 51.940.  STUDENT DEBIT CARDS.  (a)  The governing board of an institution of higher education may establish a program to provide students enrolled at the institution with a debit card.
(b)  A student issued a debit card under the program may use the card to purchase merchandise or service available through the institution or through a person authorized to sell merchandise or service at the institution, as determined by the governing board.
(c)  The program must allow a person who is in business to sell merchandise or service of the same kind as the merchandise or service that a student may purchase under Subsection (b) to participate in the program under the same or equivalent terms applicable to a person authorized to sell merchandise under Subsection (b) and accept a debit card payment from a student to whom a debit card has been issued under the program for purchase of that merchandise or service.  The institution of higher education may assess participating businesses a fee sufficient to cover the cost of implementation and administration of this program.
(d)  An institution of higher education may not administer or sponsor a debit card program for students of the institution that does not conform to this section.
(e)  In this section:
(1)  "Governing board" and "institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Person" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.201, Business & Commerce Code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 316, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 710, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.941. Purchase of Agricultural Products

Sec. 51.941.  PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.  (a)  An institution of higher education that purchases agricultural products shall give first preference to products grown, produced, or processed in this state if the cost to the institution and the quality of the products are equal to the cost and quality of other available products.
(b)  An institution of higher education shall ensure that bid specifications used by the institution in connection with the purchase of agricultural products do not preclude or discourage the purchase of agricultural products grown, produced, or processed in this state.
(c)  In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 473, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 51.940 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(23), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.945. Student Participation in Selection of Food Service Contracts

Sec. 51.945.  STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SELECTION OF FOOD SERVICE CONTRACTS.  (a)  The governing board of an institution of higher education shall develop and implement policies that provide the students at the institution with a reasonable opportunity to appear before any committee or other entity that is determining whether a food service provider should be selected or retained by the institution.  The policies shall provide the students with a reasonable opportunity to discuss the performance of a food service provider and the students' recommendations for qualifications of food service providers.
(b)  A contract between an institution of higher education and a food service provider must require the food service provider to periodically hold meetings or forums to provide the students at the institution with a reasonable opportunity to discuss the performance of the food service provider.
(c)  In this section:
(1)  "Food service provider" means a person who contracts with the institution to provide food or beverage service at any location on the premises of the institution.
(2)  "Governing board" and "institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1266, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.946. Student Debit Cards at Private or Independent Institutions of Higher Education

Sec. 51.946.  STUDENT DEBIT CARDS AT PRIVATE OR INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.  (a)  The governing board of a private or independent institution of higher education may establish a program to provide students enrolled at the institution with a debit card.
(b)  A student issued a debit card under the program may use the card to purchase merchandise or service available through the institution or through a person authorized to sell merchandise or service at the institution, as determined by the governing board.
(c)  The program may allow a person who is in business to sell merchandise or service of the same kind as the merchandise or service that a student may purchase under Subsection (b) to participate in the program under the same or equivalent terms applicable to a person authorized to sell merchandise under Subsection (b) and accept a debit card payment from a student to whom a debit card has been issued under the program for purchase of that merchandise or service.
(d)  The private or independent institution of higher education may assess participating businesses a fee for the implementation and administration of the program.
(e)  In this section:
(1)  "Private or independent institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Person" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.201, Business & Commerce Code.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 370, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9461. Charges and Fees for Certain Payments at Private or Independent Institutions of Higher Education

Sec. 51.9461.  CHARGES AND FEES FOR CERTAIN PAYMENTS AT PRIVATE OR INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.  (a)  In this section, "private or independent institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  This section applies only to a payment of tuition, a fee, or another charge made by or on behalf of a student, including a person admitted but not yet enrolled, of a private or independent institution of higher education if the payment is made or authorized in person, by mail, by telephone call, or through the Internet by means of:
(1)  an electronic funds transfer; or
(2)  a credit card.
(c)  A private or independent institution of higher education may charge a fee or other amount in connection with a payment to which this section applies, in addition to the amount of the tuition, fee, or other charge being paid, including:
(1)  a discount, convenience, or service charge for the transaction; or
(2)  a service charge in connection with a payment transaction that is dishonored or refused for lack of funds or insufficient funds.
(d)  A fee or other charge under this section must be in an amount reasonable and necessary to reimburse the institution for the expense incurred by the institution in processing and handling the payment or payment transaction.
(e)  Before accepting a payment by credit card, the institution shall notify the student or other person making the payment of any fee to be charged under this section.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 980 (H.B. 1829), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.947. Payroll Deductions for Certain Organizations

Sec. 51.947.  PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS FOR CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  An employee of an institution of higher education may authorize a deduction each pay period from the employee's salary or wage payment for:
(1)  a contribution to an institution of higher education;  or
(2)  a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization the purpose of which is to support the programs of an institution of higher education.
(b)  To be eligible to receive charitable contributions under this section, a nonprofit organization must comply with the rules adopted under Section 2255.001, Government Code, by the institution of higher education the organization supports.
(c)  An institution of higher education shall establish procedures to enable an employee of the institution to authorize a deduction under this section.
(d)  In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 307, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.  Renumbered from Sec. 51.946 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(18), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.950. Policy Regulating Student Travel

Sec. 51.950.  POLICY REGULATING STUDENT TRAVEL.  (a)  In this section, "governing board" and "institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  Each governing board of an institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regulating travel that is undertaken by one or more students presently enrolled at the institution to reach an activity or event that is located more than 25 miles from the institution that is organized and sponsored by the institution and that is:
(1)  funded by the institution, and the travel is undertaken using a vehicle owned or leased by the institution;  or
(2)  required by a student organization registered at the institution.
(c)  The governing board shall seek advice and comment from the faculty and students of the institution before adopting any policy under this section.
(d)  The policy must contain provisions that address:
(1)  different modes of travel likely to be used by students;  and
(2)  safety issues related to student travel, including:
(A)  use of seat belts or other safety devices;
(B)  passenger capacity;  and
(C)  for the person providing transportation services:
(i)  qualifications and training required to operate that particular mode of travel;  and
(ii)  fatigue at the time of travel.
(e)  The governing board shall make the policy available to the public by publishing the policy in the institution's catalog and by any other method the board considers appropriate.
(f)  The governing board shall file a copy of the policy adopted under this section, and any amendments to that policy, with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(g)  This section does not create a claim or cause of action against an institution of higher education beyond a claim or cause of action authorized on the effective date of the Act that enacted this section by Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 697, Sec. 1, eff. June 13, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 51.949 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(28), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.951. Confidentiality of Certain Information Related to Purchase or Sale of Real Estate

Sec. 51.951.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATED TO PURCHASE OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE.  (a)  Information related to the location, purchase price, or sale price of real property purchased or sold by or for an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, is confidential and exempt from disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, until a deed for the property is executed.  Information that is confidential and exempted from disclosure under this subsection includes an appraisal, completed report, evaluation, investigation conducted for the purpose of locating or determining the purchase or sale price of the property, or any report prepared in anticipation of purchasing or selling real property.
(b)  Information that is confidential and excluded from disclosure under Subsection (a) is not subject to a subpoena directed to an institution of higher education, its governing board, or any officer, agent, or employee of an institution of higher education.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1317, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 532, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 2003.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 51.961 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(29), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.952. Student Health Insurance

Sec. 51.952.  STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE.  (a)  The governing board of a medical and dental unit may require a student enrolled at a medical and dental unit to have in effect during the calendar year of enrollment a health insurance policy for health care services received by the student.
(b)  The governing board of a medical and dental unit shall determine the minimum coverage standards for health insurance required under this section.
(c)  If the student agrees in writing, the medical and dental unit shall provide a reasonable estimate of the cost of the health insurance coverage within the student's cost of education for financial aid purposes.
(d)  If a governing board of a medical and dental unit requires health insurance coverage for students under Subsection (a), a student may be provisionally enrolled at the medical and dental unit for one academic session without the coverage in order to allow the student time to obtain the coverage.
(e)  The governing board of a medical and dental unit may adopt such other rules and regulations as it determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)  In this section, "governing board" and "medical and dental unit" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 711, Sec. 1, eff. June 13, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code, Sec. 51.961 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(30), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.953. Certain Revenue Received From Student Health Center Services

Sec. 51.953.  CERTAIN REVENUE RECEIVED FROM STUDENT HEALTH CENTER SERVICES.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Health benefit plan" means any health benefit plan regulated under the Insurance Code, including:
(A)  an individual or group health insurance policy; or
(B)  an evidence of coverage issued by a health maintenance organization.
(2)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  Amounts received by an institution of higher education from a health benefit plan issuer as a result of a claim filed with the issuer by or on behalf of the institution's student health center are institutional funds under Section 51.009 and may be used only for the construction, improvement, operation, or maintenance of the student health center or to increase or enhance the services offered by the student health center.  It is the intent of the legislature that those amounts be in addition to other amounts of money allocated to the student health center and those other amounts not be reduced.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1270 (H.B. 3430), Sec. 7, eff. October 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.954. Disclosure of Sponsors of Contracted Research in Public Communications

Text of section as added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 326 (S.B. 20), Sec. 24
For text of section as added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1024 (H.B. 1295), Sec. 1, see other Sec. 51.954.
Sec. 51.954.  DISCLOSURE OF SPONSORS OF CONTRACTED RESEARCH IN PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS.  (a)  In any public communication the content of which is based on the results of sponsored research, a faculty member or other employee or appointee of an institution of higher education who conducted or participated in conducting the research shall conspicuously disclose the identity of each sponsor of the research.
(b)  In this section:
(1)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Public communication" means oral or written communication intended for public consumption or distribution, including:
(A)  testimony in a public administrative, legislative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding;
(B)  printed matter including a magazine, journal, newsletter, newspaper, pamphlet, or report; or
(C)  posting of information on a website or similar Internet host for information.
(3)  "Sponsor" means an entity that contracts for or provides money or materials for research.
(4)  "Sponsored research" means research:
(A)  that is conducted under a contract with, or that is conducted under a grant awarded by and pursuant to a written agreement with, an individual or entity other than the institution conducting the research; and
(B)  in which payments received or the value of materials received under that contract or grant, or under a combination of more than one such contract or grant, constitutes at least 50 percent of the cost of conducting the research.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 326 (S.B. 20), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.954. Disclosure of Sponsors of Research in Public Communications

Text of section as added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1024 (H.B. 1295), Sec. 1
For text of section as added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 326 (S.B. 20), Sec. 24, see other Sec. 51.954.
Sec. 51.954.  DISCLOSURE OF SPONSORS OF RESEARCH IN PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS.  (a)  In any public communication the content of which is based on the results of sponsored research, a faculty member or other employee or appointee of an institution of higher education who conducted or participated in conducting the research shall conspicuously disclose the identity of each sponsor of the research.
(b)  In this section:
(1)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Public communication" means oral or written communication intended for public consumption or distribution, including:
(A)  testimony in a public administrative, legislative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding;
(B)  printed matter including a magazine, journal, newsletter, newspaper, pamphlet, or report; or
(C)  posting of information on a website or similar Internet host for information.
(3)  "Sponsor" means an entity that contracts for or provides money or materials for research.
(4)  "Sponsored research" means research:
(A)  that is conducted under a contract with or a grant from an individual or entity, other than the institution conducting the research, for the purpose of the research; and
(B)  in which payments received or the value of materials received under that contract or grant, or under a combination of more than one such contract or grant, constitutes at least 50 percent of the cost of conducting the research.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1024 (H.B. 1295), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.955. Prohibited State Agency Actions Related to Disclosure of Publicly Funded Research

Sec. 51.955.  PROHIBITED STATE AGENCY ACTIONS RELATED TO DISCLOSURE OF PUBLICLY FUNDED RESEARCH.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  A state agency that expends appropriated funds may not:
(1)  enter into a research contract with an institution of higher education if that contract contains a provision precluding public disclosure of any final data generated or produced in the course of executing the contract unless the agency reasonably determines that the premature disclosure of such data would adversely affect public safety, the protection of intellectual property rights of the institution of higher education, publication rights in professional scientific publications, or valuable confidential information of the institution of higher education or a third party; or
(2)  adopt a rule that is based on research conducted under a contract entered into with an institution of higher education unless the agency:
(A)  has made the results of the research and all data supporting the research publicly available; or
(B)  reasonably determines that the premature disclosure of such data would adversely affect public safety, the protection of intellectual property rights of the institution of higher education, publication rights in professional scientific publications, or valuable confidential information of the institution of higher education or a third party.
(c)  Subsection (b)(1) does not apply to a research contract between an institution of higher education and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
(d)  A response to a request for information regarding research described by Subsection (b) must be made in accordance with Chapter 552, Government Code.
(e)  This section does not require the public disclosure of personal identifying information or any other information the disclosure of which is otherwise prohibited by law.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1024 (H.B. 1295), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.956. Policy Framework for Research Security

Sec. 51.956.  POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH SECURITY.  (a)  In this section, "governing board," "institution of higher education," and "university system" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  The governing board of each institution of higher education shall establish a policy framework that promotes secure academic research at the institution while mitigating the risk of foreign espionage and interference. The governing board of a university system must establish a separate policy framework for each institution of higher education under the governing board's management and control.
(c)  The policy framework must address:
(1)  achieving the highest level of compliance with applicable ethical, legal, regulatory, contractual, and system standards and requirements for securing and protecting the institution's research portfolios;
(2)  promoting within the institution an organizational culture of compliance with federal requirements to ensure the institution maintains eligibility for federal funding; and
(3)  designating a person to serve as a research security officer responsible for maintaining classified information, maintaining controlled unclassified information, conducting foreign influence reporting, and addressing other issues at the institution associated with the goals of the policy framework.
(d)  For purposes of designating a person to serve as a research security officer under Subsection (c)(3), the governing board of a university system may designate a person to serve in an institutional or system-wide capacity.
(e)  A person designated to serve as a research security officer under Subsection (c)(3) shall attend the annual academic security and counter exploitation program seminar offered by Texas A&M University.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1165 (S.B. 1565), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.960. Grievance Rights on Certain Personnel Issues

Sec. 51.960.  GRIEVANCE RIGHTS ON CERTAIN PERSONNEL ISSUES.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Faculty member" means a person employed full-time by an institution of higher education as a member of the institution's faculty, including professional librarians, whose duties include teaching, research, administration, or the performance of professional services.  The term does not include a person who holds faculty rank but who spends the majority of the person's time for the institution engaged in managerial or supervisory activities, including a chancellor, vice chancellor, president, vice president, provost, associate or assistant provost, dean, or associate or assistant dean.
(2)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  A faculty member at an institution of higher education has a right to present a grievance, in person, to a member of the institution's administration designated by the governing board of the institution on an issue related to the nonrenewal or termination of the faculty member's employment at the institution.
(c)  An institution may not, by contract, policy, or procedure, restrict a faculty member's right to present a grievance under this section.  An institution may adopt a method for presenting, reviewing, and acting on a grievance filed under this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 870, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.961. Leave Provisions for Employees of University System or Component Institution of System

Sec. 51.961.  LEAVE PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR COMPONENT INSTITUTION OF SYSTEM.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Governing board" and "university system" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(2)  "Leave" includes vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays.
(b)  The governing board of a university system may adopt a comprehensive leave policy that applies to employees of the university system or any component institution of the system.
(c)  A policy adopted under this section may combine vacation, sick, and holiday leave into a paid leave system that does not distinguish or separate the types of leave to be awarded and may award leave in an amount determined by the governing board to be appropriate and cost-effective.
(d)  Chapters 661 and 662, Government Code, do not apply to employees covered by a policy adopted under this section.  The policy must include provisions addressing the subject matter of each subchapter of Chapters 661 and 662, Government Code, and the intended effect of the policy on the rights, duties, and responsibilities of employees and the employing entity under those subchapters.
(e)  A policy adopted under this section must include provisions for:
(1)  payment for accrued leave to:
(A)  the estates or heirs of deceased employees;
(B)  employees separating from the employing entity;  and
(C)  contributing members of state retirement systems who retire;  and
(2)  awards of accrued leave to employees separating from the employing entity who are to be employed by other state agencies or institutions of higher education.
(f)  A policy authorized by this section may include other matters as determined relevant and appropriate by the governing board.
(g)  A policy authorized by this section must be adopted by a governing board in an open meeting of the board.
(h)  Before implementing a policy adopted under this section, the governing board shall make reasonable efforts to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the office of the state auditor, the Employees Retirement System of Texas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board concerning awards of accrued leave for the purposes of retirement and other issues of concern related to the implementation of the policy.
(i)  On or after September 15, 2005, the governing board of an institution of higher education may adopt a leave policy as provided by this section for employees of the institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 118, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1266, Sec. 2.09, 2.10, eff. June 20, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.9611. Payroll Deductions for Employees of University System or Institution of Higher Education

Sec. 51.9611.  PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher education" and "university system" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  The governing board of a university system, or of an institution of higher education that is not a component institution of a university system, may authorize employees of the system or institution, as applicable, to elect a payroll deduction for any purpose that the governing board determines serves a public purpose and benefits employees.  The board may adopt policies and procedures governing payroll deductions under this section.  A payroll deduction under this section is in addition to payroll deductions authorized by other law.
(c)  A payroll deduction under this section must be at the written request of the employee, and the request must state the amount to be deducted and the entity to which the deducted amount is to be transferred.  A payroll deduction is in effect until revoked in writing by the employee, but the policies and procedures of the university system or institution of higher education, as applicable, may provide for enrollment periods.
(d)  A university system or institution of higher education may collect an administrative fee to cover the costs of making a deduction.
(e)  This section does not authorize a payroll deduction for dues or membership fees payable to a labor union or employees association.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1049 (S.B. 5), Sec. 3.01, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.962. Merit Salary Increases

Sec. 51.962.  MERIT SALARY INCREASES.  (a)  An institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 may grant merit salary increases, including one-time merit payments, to employees described by this section.
(b)  A merit salary increase made under this section is compensation for purposes of Chapter 659, Government Code, and salary and wages and member compensation for purposes of Title 8, Government Code.
(c)  An institution of higher education may pay merit salary increases under this section from any funds.
(d)  Before awarding a merit salary increase under this section, an institution of higher education must adopt criteria for the granting of merit salary increases.
(e)  To be eligible for a merit salary increase under this section, an employee must have been employed by the institution of higher education for the six months immediately preceding the effective date of the increase and at least six months must have elapsed since the employee's last merit salary increase.
(f)  This subsection applies to an employee employed by the institution of higher education for more than six months.  The requirement that six months elapse between merit salary increases prescribed by Subsection (e) does not apply to a one-time merit payment if the chief administrative officer of the institution of higher education determines in writing that the one-time merit payment is made in relation to the employee's performance during a natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstance.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 118, Sec. 2.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (S.B. 2298), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle A - Higher Education in General › Chapter 51 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education › Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 51.963. Employee With Multiple Appointments

Sec. 51.963.  EMPLOYEE WITH MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS.  A full-time employee of an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 who has appointments to more than one position at the same institution may receive pay for working more than 40 hours in a week if the institution determines that pay in lieu of compensatory time is in the best interests of the institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 118, Sec. 2.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.