S.B. No. 37 seeks to improve the governance of public institutions of higher education in Texas by implementing several key provisions focused on curriculum review, faculty representation, and institutional accountability. The bill mandates that each institution's governing board conduct a comprehensive review of the general education curriculum every five years, ensuring it aligns with educational standards and prepares students for civic and professional life. Institutions are also required to consider the potential costs of the curriculum on students and provide annual updates on any changes. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for reviewing minor degree and certificate programs to identify those with low enrollment for potential consolidation or elimination, while ensuring that relevant industry data supports program viability.

The bill further emphasizes shared governance by establishing faculty councils or senates at each institution, which will serve as advisory bodies without decision-making authority. It includes provisions for the governing board to approve or deny hiring decisions for key administrative positions and mandates annual reporting to state leadership on these decisions. The bill also creates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman to address complaints regarding compliance with educational statutes, requiring timely notifications and responses from governing boards. Furthermore, it introduces training requirements for governing board members and establishes confidentiality for student information. The effective date for most provisions is set for September 1, 2025, with specific provisions regarding faculty councils or senates established prior to this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.352, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.352, Education Code 61.052, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.352, Education Code 61.0512, Education Code 61.052, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.354, Education Code 61.052, Education Code 51.352, Education Code 51.913, Education Code 61.0512, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.354, Education Code 61.052, Education Code 51.352, Education Code 51.913, Education Code 61.0512, Education Code 61.084 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51)