Relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.
Summary
HB 1022 amends the Education Code to remove the word “upper-level” from the statutory description of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College. The bill leaves the college’s locations in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde unchanged and continues to place the institution under the management and control of the Texas State University System Board of Regents.
The practical effect is to authorize Rio Grande College to offer course levels beyond upper-division coursework, beginning January 1, 2026. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but its application is delayed until the 2026 spring term, giving the university and system time to adjust academic programming and planning.
Impact
HB 1022 changes state law governing Sul Ross State University by revising Section 96.01 of the Education Code to eliminate the statutory limitation that Rio Grande College is an “upper-level” educational center. This expands the college’s legal authority to offer lower-division and potentially broader course offerings, affecting students, faculty, and administrative planning at the Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde campuses.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House by a wide margin, 137-7, and the Senate unanimously, 31-0, with no committee transcript indicating significant debate. The voting pattern suggests general agreement that the change was a modest and practical update to support the college’s academic mission.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record. Any concern would likely center on whether expanding course levels at Rio Grande College changes its role within the Texas State University System or affects resource allocation, duplication of offerings, or local higher-education planning. However, the recorded votes and lack of transcript discussion indicate that such concerns were not prominent in legislative debate.