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, 51.3522 and 51.3523, to the Education Code, defining 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 mandates that meetings of these councils or senates be open to the public, with specific notice requirements and public recording of votes.

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 stipulates that any existing faculty councils or senates that do not comply with the new regulations will be abolished by October 1, 2025, unless they are ratified by the governing board. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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