Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt and 7 co-sponsors

Texas law now requires public universities to establish faculty governance bodies, submit curricula for state review, train trustees, and establish a higher ed ombudsman office, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25

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Legislative bill overview

SB 37 restructures governance and oversight of Texas public higher education institutions by requiring curriculum review processes, establishing faculty councils/senates, mandating governing board training, and creating a new Office of the Ombudsman within the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The bill grants the Coordinating Board expanded authority to review degree and certificate programs at public colleges and universities.

Why is this important

This legislation fundamentally changes how Texas universities operate by shifting certain governance powers from individual institutions toward state-level coordination and oversight. It directly affects university governance structures, curriculum decision-making processes, and introduces a new complaint resolution mechanism—changes that will impact faculty autonomy, administrative operations, and how students and stakeholders can address grievances within the higher education system.

Potential points of contention

Faculty governance vs. state control: The requirement for faculty councils/senates combined with state curriculum review could be viewed as either protecting faculty input or as reducing institutional independence in academic decisions

Ombudsman authority scope: Unclear boundaries between the new Ombudsman's investigative powers and existing institutional grievance procedures may create redundancy or conflict

Program approval process: Expanded state review of degree/certificate programs may slow program development and limit institutional responsiveness to workforce needs, or conversely, ensure quality consistency across the system