TX SB1489

Only the governing board of a public institution of higher education may establish or authorize a faculty council or senate, defined as a representative faculty organization directly elected by the general faculty or colleges/schools

Faculty councils or senates are strictly advisory and cannot be delegated final decision-making authority, take action on behalf of the institution, approve personnel actions, or conduct investigations

Faculty council/senate meetings with a quorum must be open to the public with at least 72 hours notice posted online and in student newspapers, and all votes must be recorded and made public

Existing faculty councils or senates established before the act's effective date will be abolished on October 1, 2025, unless ratified by the institution's governing board or established in compliance with the new requirements

Final decision-making authority on degree programs and curricula belongs to the institution under the direction of its governing board