H.B. No. 2853 amends Section 54.535(a) of the Education Code to allow the board of regents of The University of Texas System to levy a student union fee specifically for financing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and improving a student union building at The University of Texas at El Paso. The bill removes previous fee caps of $30 per student for regular semesters and $15 for summer sessions, instead stipulating that any fee increase cannot exceed 10 percent of the amount levied in the preceding academic year unless approved by a majority of students enrolled at the university through a general student election. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the fee is in addition to any other fees the board is authorized to impose.

The provisions of this act will apply starting with student union fees collected for the spring semester of 2026, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to provide the necessary funding for the improvement and potential demolition of the existing student union building, ensuring that the university can enhance its facilities for students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 54.535 (Education Code 54)
House Committee Report: Education Code 54.535 (Education Code 54)
Engrossed: Education Code 54.535 (Education Code 54)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 54.535 (Education Code 54)
Enrolled: Education Code 54.535 (Education Code 54)