Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment of a public law school in the Rio Grande Valley.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two­year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB695, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.

There will be substantial costs related to the establishment of the law school beginning in fiscal year 2028, when state funding becomes available. 

Bill Analysis

HB 695 would allow the governing board of a university system to establish and operate, as a professional school of the system, The Rio Grande Valley School Of Law in Cameron County or Hidalgo County as the governing board considers appropriate. Requires a feasibility study to determine what actions the system must take to obtain accreditation of the law school.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While this bill is permissive, it will almost certainly lead to the establishment of a new public law school which would expand the size, scope, and cost of government. If there is market demand for a law school in Cameron County or Hidalgo County we prefer to let private sector actors meet that demand. For these reasons, we oppose HB 695.