The bill, S.B. No. 1489, aims to amend the governance structure of public institutions of higher education in Texas by establishing guidelines for the creation and operation of faculty councils or senates. It introduces new sections to the Education Code, specifically Sections 51.3522 and 51.3523, which define a faculty council or senate as a representative body elected by the faculty. The governing board of each institution is granted the exclusive authority to establish such councils or senates, which are designated as advisory bodies without final decision-making power. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these councils or senates must report to the institution's president and that their meetings must be open to the public, with specific notice requirements for meeting announcements.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 51.354 to clarify that the final decision-making authority regarding degree programs and curricula rests with the institution, under the direction of its governing board. It also includes a provision that abolishes any existing faculty councils or senates that do not comply with the new regulations by October 1, 2025, unless they are ratified by the governing board. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.354 (Education Code 51)