Legislative Update: What Texas Faculty Need to Know —and Do — Now
On May 2, the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA) held a critical legislative update to brief faculty on the fast-moving developments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Hosted by TCCTA Executive Director J.P. Winston and President William Parent, and led by government relations consultant Beaman Floyd, the session spotlighted major bills with real consequences for Texas community college faculty. The message was clear: we are not the intended targets, but we are very much in the crossfire. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and immediate action is required.
Why You Should Pay Attention
While many bills specifically refer to “universities” or “general academic teaching institutions,” vague language and legislative carelessness often mean that community colleges are frequently—and sometimes unintentionally—affected. Definitions matter. Faculty must remain alert to bills that reference “institutions of higher education,” as this phrase can encompass us depending on the context. TCCTA is actively advocating for precise language, but your awareness and engagement are essential.
Top Legislative Threats to Watch—and Act On
🔴 Senate Bill 12: The “Parental Bill of Rights”
- What it does: Targets K–12 but contains vague, sweeping language that could restrict discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in dual credit courses. The potential impact of this bill is significant and could drastically affect the way we teach.
- Why it matters to you: Literature, history, or government instructors could face scrutiny or pressure simply for teaching core content.
- Action: Faculty teaching dual credit should be especially vocal in opposing this bill’s ambiguous language. Clarification or amendment is needed.
🔴 Senate Bill 37: Faculty Governance and Curriculum Under Threat
- What it does: Seeks political control over curriculum and faculty senates; creates a Governor-appointed Curriculum Review Council and a new “Ombudsman” with investigative powers.
- Why it matters: This bill would dramatically reshape how courses are reviewed, potentially eroding faculty input and academic freedom across Texas. While some propose a carve-out for community colleges, no exemption currently exists.
- Action: Contact your State House representative now to oppose SB 37. This is one of the most dangerous bills in the session for higher ed.
🔴 Senate Bill 2615: Return-to-Work Mandate
- What it does: Codifies a Governor’s executive order requiring in-person work for state employees, with unclear implications for remote teaching.
- Why it matters: Could strip faculty of flexibility to teach online or hybrid courses without improving student outcomes or instruction.
- Action: Urge House members to reject SB 2615 or revise it to protect virtual instruction and the autonomy of teaching.
Other Concerns
⚠️ Senate Bill 530 (Accreditation)
- Removes SACs (our current accreditor) from statute, opening the door to alternate agencies that may be less protective of shared governance and academic freedom.
- This change risks weakening faculty influence while promoting political interference in institutional accreditation.
- Action: Monitor administrative decisions related to accreditation and push back if proposals would compromise governance or educational integrity.
The Bigger Picture: Why Faculty Advocacy Matters
Community colleges are still well-regarded by lawmakers for their efficiency, community connection, and role in the workforce. Still, that reputation won’t protect us from becoming collateral damage in today’s political culture wars. The stakes are high, as legislative outcomes are being shaped now, and the final weeks of the session (ending June 2) are critical.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is actively pushing to make this one of the most conservative sessions in Texas history, and faculty are increasingly seen as ideological opponents rather than partners in education. The House remains our best chance to influence or stop harmful bills.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Contact your House Representative, particularly members of the House Higher Education Committee. Be specific: Oppose SB 37 and SB 2615.
- Stay informed through TCCTA updates and alerts.
- Join a TCCTA committee to help amplify faculty voices.
- Discuss with your colleagues, especially those teaching dual credit, online courses, or general education, what’s happening and why it matters.
- Educate your community about the value of academic freedom and the broad mission of community colleges—not just job training, but also citizenship, creativity, and inquiry.
Final Thought
Beaman Floyd reminded us that Texas lawmakers may “like” community colleges, but they’re still willing to lump us in with universities when passing restrictive or political legislation. We must protect the breadth of our mission, the freedom of our classrooms, and the integrity of our profession.
This is the time to act. Your voice, your advocacy, and your engagement are vital because no one else will do it for us. Your role in this process is not just important, it's integral.
Timeline: Key Themes & Legislative Issues Discussed
1. Confusing Legislative Language: Do “University” Bills Apply to Community Colleges?
- Beaman Floyd clarified that terms like "university" and "general academic teaching institution" do not apply to community colleges under Texas Education Code Chapter 61.
- The correct statutory term is "public junior college". However, some lawmakers carelessly use broader phrases like “institutions of higher education,” which may or may not include community colleges depending on context.
- TCCTA's advocacy role includes pressing lawmakers to use precise terms to avoid unintended consequences.
2. Spillover Effects from University-Targeted Bills
- Even if a bill targets four-year institutions, it can still create "chilling effects" or institutional pressure on two-year colleges to conform.
- Community colleges’ unique identity, characterized by local governance, elected trustees, and a workforce mission, often shields them, but they still operate within the broader higher education environment.
Major Bills of Concern
Senate Bill 12 – Parental Bill of Rights
- Primary Target: K-12 education; restricts teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Potential Impact: Could affect dual credit instruction at community colleges if language remains broad (e.g., applying to “anyone” teaching such content).
- Beaman flagged Section 28.0043 (p. 30–31) as a “catch-all” provision that might sweep in college faculty unintentionally.
- TCCTA is working to get this section amended or clarified.
Senate Bill 37 – Curriculum Control & Faculty Senate Restrictions
- Originally a response to the University of Texas faculty's opposition to state interference.
- Expands to community colleges, though carve-outs are being discussed.
- Key provisions:
- Oversight of faculty senates by college presidents.
- External Curriculum Review Council (13 members, appointed mostly by the Governor).
- Creation of a new Higher Ed Ombudsman with subpoena-like powers.
- Political interference in curriculum and hiring decisions is flagged as a significant concern.
- Implementation Timeline: Changes are unlikely to affect the 2025–26 academic year but could be rolled out by 2027–28.
- TCCTA is strongly opposing the bill and working for amendments in the House.
Senate Bill 2615 – Remote Work Restrictions
- Would require employees to return to in-person work, codifying a previous executive order.
- Vague on how it applies to virtual teaching.
- Community college stakeholders fear it could restrict online teaching flexibility.
- Bill has no House companion yet and faces widespread opposition.
Accreditation Concerns
- Senate Bill 530 removes SACs (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) as a statutory accreditor, allowing institutions to choose other accrediting agencies.
- Raises concerns about weakened shared governance and potential misuse of accreditation changes to bypass faculty protections.
- TCCTA stresses the importance of educating stakeholders on why strong, respected accreditation matters.
Legislative Climate & Strategy
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s influence is stronger than ever, making this one of the most politically conservative sessions in Texas history.
- Patrick’s bills are prioritized; the Senate is acting swiftly to pass conservative legislation.
- The House is the key battleground, where advocacy might still influence outcomes.
- Faculty should contact their House Representatives and Higher Ed Committee members.
- TCCTA will help coordinate outreach at each legislative stage: committee → calendar, → floor vote.
Final Thoughts from Beaman Floyd
- Community colleges remain popular with legislators for their workforce and community engagement missions.
- However, they risk becoming collateral damage in broader ideological battles.
- Urged faculty to defend the broad mission of community colleges, not just workforce training, including academic freedom and liberal arts education.
- Encouraged ongoing faculty advocacy and community-level storytelling to preserve institutional autonomy and mission.
Action Items for TCCTA Members
- Contact House members to oppose SB 37 and SB 2615.
- Recruit colleagues for TCCTA committees.
- Stay informed and engaged as the session nears the May 27 deadline.
