SB724 - Relating to providing in-person meeting requirements for governing boards of public institutions of higher education; authorizing a civil penalty.

  89R3027 KJE-D     By: Kolkhorst S.B. No. 724       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to providing in-person meeting requirements for governing   boards of public institutions of higher education; authorizing a   civil penalty.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 51.3522 to read as follows:           Sec.   51.3522.     IN-PERSON MEETING REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNING   BOARDS.   (a)   In this section, "coordinating board" means the Texas   Higher Education Coordinating Board.           (b)     Notwithstanding Section 551.127, Government Code, or   any other law, each member of the governing board of an institution   of higher education must attend at least 75 percent of the governing   board's meetings in person each year.           (c)     If a governing board member fails to meet the   requirement under Subsection (b) for any year, the member:                 (1)     for the first violation, is liable to the   institution for a civil penalty of $1,000; and                 (2)     for the second violation and notwithstanding any   other law, is not eligible for reappointment to the governing board   or for appointment to any other governing board.           (d)     An institution of higher education that receives a civil   penalty under Subsection (c)(1) may use that amount only to provide   scholarships to students enrolled at the institution.           (e)     The attorney general, at the request of the coordinating   board, may bring a civil action to collect a civil penalty under   this section.           (f)     The coordinating board may adopt rules as necessary to   implement and enforce this section.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2026.