H.B. No. 4499 aims to improve the governance of public institutions of higher education in Texas by establishing a General Education Review Committee at each institution. This committee will be responsible for annually reviewing the core curriculum, ensuring that courses are foundational for postsecondary education and do not promote specific ideologies. The bill mandates that institutions publicly share the committee's recommendations and requires governing boards to certify compliance with these provisions each year. Additionally, it introduces a faculty council or senate to advise the administration, while retaining final decision-making authority with the governing board.

The bill also amends existing laws concerning the powers and duties of governing boards, including the approval of hiring for key leadership positions and the evaluation of those individuals. It requires governing boards to individually approve or deny recommendations from faculty councils regarding curriculum and academic standards, as well as advertisements for tenured faculty positions outside of STEM fields. Furthermore, it establishes the Office of Excellence in Higher Education to address compliance issues and outlines training requirements for governing board members. The act is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, with certain provisions applicable to funds appropriated for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.352, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)