Rule 80901: Constitutional and Legislative Restrictions on Capital Improvements

1.  Title

Constitutional and Legislative Restrictions on Capital Improvements

2.  Rule and Regulation

Sec. 1  Approval by Coordinating Board.   Section 18 of Article VII of the Texas Constitution (regarding the Permanent University Fund) requires approval by the Legislature, or an agency designated by the Legislature, prior to the construction of physical improvements financed by bonds authorized under that Section at institutions of the U. T. System other than The University of Texas at Austin.

1.1  Unless otherwise authorized by law, new construction and major repair and rehabilitation projects with an Education & General (E&G) project cost of $10 million or more must be submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The format for submission will be as prescribed by the Coordinating Board.

Submission will be prepared by the institution, in consultation with and assisted by System Administration’s Office of Capital Projects for review, approval, and handling of submission. It is anticipated that necessary documents will be submitted to the Coordinating Board for review when the project scope and estimated cost are sufficiently defined to meet the Coordinating Board's requirements for submission. Normally, submission will be made after the institutional president, the Chancellor, or the Board of Regents has approved the Design Development Plans and the related cost estimate.

Sec. 2  Delegation by Board of Regents.   The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires a signed Board of Regents Certification form under Coordinating Board Rule 17.21. The authority to execute this certification for the Board of Regents is delegated to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs or the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Capital Projects.

3.  Definitions

None

4.  Relevant Federal and State Statutes 

Texas Constitution Article VII, Section 18 – Bonds or Notes Payable from Income or Available University Funds

5.  Relevant System Policies, Procedures, and Forms 

None

6.  Who Should Know 

Administrators

7.  System Administration Office(s) Responsible for Rule 

Office of Business Affairs

8.  Dates Approved or Amended 

Regents’ Rules Revision History

9.  Contact Information 

Questions or comments regarding this Rule should be directed to: 
•  bor@utsystem.edu