The bill proposes the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County, allowing the governing board of a university system to create and operate the school as deemed appropriate. It includes provisions for the administration of the law school, such as the ability to prescribe courses leading to customary law degrees, manage the school through a general academic institution, and accept gifts and grants for its benefit. The establishment of the law school is contingent upon the availability of funding, and the governing board must notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of its intention to create the school. The Coordinating Board will assess proposals from different governing boards and determine which may proceed with establishing a law school based on various criteria.
Additionally, the bill allows the governing board of the university system that establishes the law school to issue bonds up to $40 million for acquiring or improving facilities related to the law school. It also includes provisions for the pledge of revenue funds, including student tuition, to secure the bonds. The law school will be eligible for funding from the Texas Constitution, depending on which university system establishes it. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.
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