All Roll Calls
Yes: 162 • No: 1
TexasSB 236189th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Relating to the transfer of the University of Houston--Victoria to The Texas A&M University System.
Sponsored By: Paul Bettencourt (Republican), Lois Kolkhorst (Republican), Suleman Lalani, AJ Louderback
Signed by Governor
Education--Higher--FinanceEducation--Higher--Institutions & ProgramsEducation--Higher--Student FeesTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY--VICTORIAUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Victoria workers switch insurance benefit systems
People participating in or eligible for Houston–Victoria's group benefits on the transfer date qualify for Texas A&M's uniform insurance benefits. This includes people with future retiree eligibility under the former program. Their benefits-eligible service counts as service at Texas A&M University–Victoria, but they cannot also participate in the former state group benefits program. Texas A&M and the Employees Retirement System must coordinate required data transfers and ensure full monthly contributions.
Victoria students and workers keep protections
Students and employees at Houston–Victoria on September 1, 2025, transfer to Texas A&M University–Victoria without losing student or employment status. Employees keep their accrued benefits. Existing tuition and fees remain until Texas A&M's board changes them under applicable law. The law preserves authority for student center and health and wellness center fees. Those fees go into dedicated accounts controlled by the student fee advisory committee, with annual budgets, reporting, and board oversight.
Qualifying school arts venues can allow alcohol
Qualifying school boards can permit alcohol consumption, possession, and sales at district-owned performing arts facilities leased to nonprofits. Events cannot be sponsored or sanctioned by the district. A district qualifies if it had this policy authority on or before January 1, 2025. It also qualifies in a county with 300,000 or fewer people containing a University of Houston System component university. Another qualifying route requires the facility to be within two miles of at least two stadiums, each holding at least 40,000 people; adopting a policy is optional.
Victoria campus joins Texas A&M System
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas A&M's board takes over the campus and its property, creating Texas A&M University–Victoria. The university must offer undergraduate and graduate programs, and the board can set degree courses and operating rules. Existing University of Houston System rules remain until Texas A&M changes or replaces them. Existing contracts and bonds remain valid, with Texas A&M replacing Houston's board to the extent allowed by law. Funds appropriated, dedicated, or held for the campus transfer to Texas A&M and remain for the campus's use.
Victoria campus funding and borrowing transfer
The law shifts the campus's annual $3.649703 million facilities allocation from the Houston System to the Texas A&M System. This allocation comes from funds appropriated for the applicable state budget year. Texas A&M can issue campus bonds up to previously authorized amounts, minus bonds already issued; no combined dollar cap is stated. Proceeds must serve the original campus purposes, though unused project money can renovate existing campus buildings and facilities. The board can pledge system revenue, including tuition, and move funds among system entities to meet bond debts.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Paul Bettencourt
Republican • Senate
Lois Kolkhorst
Republican • Senate
Suleman Lalani
House
AJ Louderback
House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/12/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/6/2025
Record vote
Yes: 142 • No: 1
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Higher Education
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Education K-16
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
See remarks for effective date
5/27/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
5/27/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/14/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/12/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
5/12/2025HouseRecord vote
5/12/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)
5/12/2025SenateRead
5/12/2025SenateHouse amendment(s) laid before the Senate
5/12/2025SenateHouse passage as amended reported
5/6/2025SenateStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
5/6/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#1487)
5/6/2025HousePassed as amended
5/6/2025HouseAmended (1-Louderback)
5/6/2025HouseRead 3rd time
5/6/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading
5/5/2025HouseAmendment withdrawn (1-Louderback)
5/5/2025HouseRead 2nd time
5/5/2025HouseLaid out in lieu of companion (HB 5150)
5/5/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
4/28/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
4/28/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
4/25/2025HouseReported favorably w/o amendment(s)
4/24/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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