CHAPTER 86. TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY

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EDUCATION CODETITLE 3. HIGHER EDUCATIONSUBTITLE D. THE TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMCHAPTER 86. TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITYSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 86.01. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "University" means Texas A & M University.(2) "Board" means the board of directors of The Texas A & M University System.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3202, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.02. TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY. Texas A & M University is an institution of higher education located in the city of College Station. It is under the management and control of the board of directors of The Texas A & M University System.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3202, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.03. LEADING OBJECT. The leading object of the university shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanical arts, in such manner as the legislature may prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3202, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARDSec. 86.11. APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT, OFFICERS, PROFESSORS. The board shall appoint the president, the professors, and other officers it deems proper to keep the university in successful operation. It may abolish any office it deems unnecessary.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.12. ENTOMOLOGIST. The president and board shall employ an expert entomologist, one or more, as may be deemed necessary, whose duty it shall be to devise, if possible, means of destroying the Mexican boll weevil, boll worm, caterpillar, sharpshooter, chinch bug, peach bug, fly and worm and other insect pests and to perform the duties of professor of entomology in the university.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.13. CIVIL ENGINEER; SOIL CONSERVATION DEMONSTRATIONS. The board shall employ a graduate civil engineer of the university who has a practical and scientific knowledge of the conservation of moisture and soil fertility, who understands the practical art of terracing farmland to preserve the moisture and soil fertility and to prevent the washing away and the destruction of the properties of the soil, and who has had five years' actual experience in terracing farmlands in some southern state. He shall make his headquarters at the university, where he shall instruct the students by lecture and practical demonstration in the best method of such conservation and terracing so as to enable them to do the work successfully. He shall devote one-half of his time to such instruction, and the other half shall be spent in field work, giving practical demonstrations in terracing to farmers' institutes and other farmers' organizations; and the president of the university shall require him to go over the state on the application of farmers desiring expert instruction in terracing farmlands and in conserving the moisture and soil fertility. He shall be furnished with the necessary instruments and equipment for the demonstration and instruction.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.14. SPECIAL SUMMER SCHOOL. The board shall provide for a special summer school of at least two months each year for the training of special students who shall be admitted without an entrance examination, and may make provisions for the summer school, purchase the necessary equipment, and generally do and perform all acts necessary to establish and maintain the summer school.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.15. SUMMER SESSIONS; ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE FOR TEACHERS. The board shall require the teaching of elementary agriculture for teachers in the summer sessions.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.16. FIREMEN'S TRAINING SCHOOL. (a) The Texas A&M University System shall conduct and maintain a firemen's training school through the Texas Engineering Extension Service as a unit of the university system in the manner deemed expedient and advisable by the system's board of regents. The Texas Engineering Extension Service shall serve as the recognized statewide fire and rescue training agency liaison to the National Fire Academy. In their capacity as the National Fire Academy liaison, the extension service shall distribute National Fire Academy student manuals on request to associations, fire departments, state agencies, and institutions of higher education which meet National Fire Academy qualifications.(b) The firemen's training school advisory board is composed of:(1) three members of the staff of the system appointed by the system's board of regents, one of whom shall be the director of the engineering extension service who serves ex officio as the chairman of the advisory board;(2) four members or representatives of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas or its successor, appointed by the president or other managing officer of that association;(3) one person who is fire protection personnel as defined by Section 419.021, Government Code, and who is the head of a training division for the fire department of a political subdivision, appointed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; and(4) one fire chief appointed by the president or other managing officer of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association or its successor.(c) The advisory board shall confer with and advise the engineering extension service with reference to the organization of the school, the purchasing of equipment, the curriculum and program, and the conduct and management of the school.(d) Expenditures for the per diem expenses of members of the advisory board and all other necessary expenses of the school shall be made only on the order of the system's board of regents, and no warrants shall be paid unless also approved in writing by the director of the engineering extension service.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3203, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 628, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 241, Sec. 1, eff. May 22, 1993.

Sec. 86.17. ADJUNCT IN KIMBLE COUNTY. The board may establish in Kimble County an adjunct of the university to be located on land furnished without cost to the state. The board may provide at the adjunct any services which conform to the leading object of the university as prescribed by Section 86.03 of this code, including research, subject to the exception that not more than $300,000 may be expended from available plant funds for buildings and improvements without the specific authorization of the legislature.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3204, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.18. GRADUATE PROGRAMS; CONTRACTS WITH BAYLOR UNIVERSITY. The university may enter into contracts and agreements with Baylor University for joint participation in graduate programs that may be designed to benefit the state.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3204, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.20. AIRPORT. The university may own and operate an airport, may accept federal aid and money for those purposes, and may enter into sponsor's assurance agreements with the federal government. It may operate the airport separately or in cooperation with a city, a county, the state, or the federal government, with the approval of the appropriate governing body, but without any expense to or liability against the state in any manner.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3204, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.21. PERPETUAL FUND. The money arising from the sale of the 180,000 acres of land donated to this state by the United States under the provisions of an Act of Congress passed on the second day of July, 1862, and an amended Act of Congress of July 23, 1866, shall constitute a perpetual fund, under the conditions and restrictions imposed by the above recited Acts, for the benefit of Texas A & M University; and the investment of the money, heretofore made in the bonds of the state, when those bonds are redeemed, may be made by the board in United States government securities in furtherance of the interests of the university and in accordance with the terms on which it was received.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3204, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.22. ACCRUED INTEREST. The interest heretofore collected by the State Board of Education in accordance with the provisions of the act of August 21, 1876, due at the end of the fiscal year of 1876, on the bonds belonging to the Agricultural and Mechanical College and invested in six percent state bonds, shall also constitute a part of the perpetual fund of the university until the legislature shall otherwise provide. The state board shall collect the semiannual interest on the bonds as it becomes due, and place the money in the state treasury to the credit of the fund. The interest on all such bonds is set apart exclusively for the use of the university and shall be drawn from the treasury by the board of directors on vouchers audited by the board, or approved by the governor and attested by the secretary of the board. On the vouchers being filed with the comptroller, he shall draw his warrant on the state treasury as necessary to pay the directors, professors and officers of the university.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3205, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 5.23, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 86.23. NAME OF SYSTEM AND COMPONENT INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES. (a) The board by resolution may change the name of the system or of any institution, agency, or service under the control and management of the board.(b) This section does not apply to:(1) Tarleton State University; or(2) Prairie View A&M University.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 132, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1991.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1234, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.

Sec. 86.24. ESTABLISHMENT OF A CEMETERY. (a) The board may dedicate land owned by The Texas A&M University System within the Bush Presidential Library site to be used as a cemetery.(b) Subchapter C, Chapter 711, Health and Safety Code, does not apply to a cemetery established under this section.(c) Appropriations from the general revenue fund may not be used to establish or operate a cemetery under this section.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 120, Sec. 1, eff. May 17, 1995.

SUBCHAPTER C. REAL ESTATE RESEARCH CENTERSec. 86.51. REAL ESTATE RESEARCH CENTER. There is established at Texas A & M University a Real Estate Research Center, hereinafter referred to as the center. The operating budget, staffing, and activities of the center shall be approved by the board of regents of The Texas A & M University System.

Added by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3342, ch. 1024, art. 2, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 319, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 1987.

Sec. 86.52. REAL ESTATE RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The Real Estate Research Advisory Committee is created.(b) The advisory committee is composed of nine persons appointed by the governor, without regard to the race, creed, sex, religion, or national origin of the appointee and with the advice and consent of the senate, with the following representation:(1) six members shall be real estate brokers, licensed as such for at least five years preceding the date of their appointment, who are representative of each of the following real estate specialties:(A) one member shall be principally engaged in real estate brokerage;(B) one member shall be principally engaged in real estate financing;(C) one member shall be principally engaged in the ownership or construction of real estate improvements;(D) one member shall be principally engaged in the ownership, development or management of residential properties;(E) one member shall be principally engaged in the ownership, development or management of commercial properties; and(F) one member shall be principally engaged in the ownership, development or management of industrial properties;(2) three members shall be representatives of the general public;(3) members representative of the general public who are appointed after the effective date of this Act shall not be licensed real estate brokers or salesmen and shall not have, other than as consumers, a financial interest in the practice of a licensed real estate broker or salesman; and(4) it is grounds for removal from the advisory committee if:(A) a broker member of the committee ceases to be a licensed real estate broker; or(B) a public member of the committee appointed after the effective date of this Act or a person related to the member within the second degree by consanguinity or within the second degree by affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, acquires a real estate license or a financial interest in the practice of a licensed real estate broker or salesman.(c) Except for the initial appointees, members of the advisory committee hold office for staggered terms of six years, with the terms of three members expiring on January 31 of each odd-numbered year. In making the initial appointments, the governor shall designate three members, including two representatives of the real estate industry and one representative of the general public, for terms expiring in 1973, three for terms expiring in 1975, and three for terms expiring in 1977. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Each member shall serve until his successor is qualified.(d) The chairman of the Texas Real Estate Commission, or a member of the commission designated by him, shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the advisory committee.(e) The committee shall elect a presiding officer and an assistant presiding officer from its membership, and each officer shall serve for a term of one year.(f) The first meeting of the advisory committee shall be called by the president of Texas A & M University or his designated representative. The committee shall meet not less than semiannually, and in addition on call of its chairman, or on petition of any six of its members, or on call of the president of Texas A & M University or his designated representative.(g) The advisory committee shall review and approve proposals to be submitted to the board of directors of The Texas A & M University System relating to staffing and general policies including priority ranking of research studies and educational and other studies.(h) The president of Texas A & M University or his designated representative shall submit to the advisory committee in advance of each fiscal year a budget for expenditures of all funds provided for the center in a form that is related to the proposed schedule of activities for the review and approval of the advisory committee. The proposed budget approved by the advisory committee shall be forwarded with the comments of the committee to the board of directors of The Texas A & M University System prior to its action on the proposed budget, and the board of directors of The Texas A & M University System shall not authorize any expenditure that has not had the prior approval of the advisory committee.(i) The president of Texas A & M University or his designated representative shall submit to the advisory committee for its review and approval a research agenda at the beginning of each fiscal year and shall continuously inform the advisory committee of changes in its substance and scheduling.(j) Each member of the board is entitled to a per diem as set by legislative appropriation for each day that the member engages in the business of the board. A member may not receive any compensation for travel expenses, including expenses for meals and lodging, other than transportation expenses. A member is entitled to compensation for transportation expenses as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.(k) The advisory committee is subject to Chapter 551, Government Code, Chapter 2001, Government Code, and the provisions of Chapter 572, Government Code.(l) The financial transactions of the center are subject to audit by the state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321, Government Code.(m) On or before January 1 of each year, the center shall file with the governor and the presiding officer of each house of the legislature a complete and detailed written report accounting for all funds received and disbursed by the center during the preceding year.

Added by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3342, ch. 1024, art. 2, Sec. 12, eff. Sept 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 3251, ch. 856, Sec. 1, 2, eff. June 18, 1981; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 584, Sec. 87, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 13, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(27), (39), (63), (81), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 86.53. PURPOSES, OBJECTIVES, AND DUTIES OF THE CENTER. The purposes, objectives, and duties of the center are as follows:(1) to conduct studies in all areas that relate directly or indirectly to real estate and/or urban or rural economics and to publish and disseminate the findings and result of the studies;(2) to assist the teaching program in real estate offered by the colleges and universities in the State of Texas when requested to do so, and to award scholarships and establish real estate chairs when funds are available;(3) to supply material to the Texas Real Estate Commission for the preparation of the examinations for real estate salesmen and brokers, if requested to do so by the commission;(4) to develop and from time to time revise and update materials for use in the extension courses in real estate offered by the universities and colleges in the State of Texas when requested to do so;(5) to assist the Texas Real Estate Commission in developing standards for the accreditation of vocational schools and other teaching agencies giving courses in the field of real estate, and standards for the approval of courses in the field of real estate, as and when requested to do so by the commission;(6) to make studies of and recommend changes in state statutes and municipal ordinances, providing however that no staff member of the center shall directly contact legislators or locally elected officials concerning the recommendations except to provide a factual response to an inquiry as to the method of research or nature of the findings;(7) provided and except, however, that those conducting such research and studies shall periodically review their progress with the advisory committee or its designated representative, and the results of any research project, or study, shall not be published or disseminated until it has been reviewed and approved in writing by the advisory committee or its designated representative; and(8) to prepare information of consumer interest describing the functions of the center and to make the information available to the general public and appropriate state agencies.

Added by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3342, ch. 1024, art. 2, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 3252, ch. 856, Sec. 4, eff. June 18, 1981.

Sec. 86.54. PUBLICATION CHARGES; GIFTS AND GRANTS. The center may make a charge for its publications and may receive gifts and grants from foundations, individuals, and other sources for the benefit of the research center.

Added by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3342, ch. 1024, art. 2, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

Sec. 86.55. ANNUAL REPORT. A report of the activities and accomplishments of the center shall be published annually.

Added by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3342, ch. 1024, art. 2, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1971.

SUBCHAPTER D. INSTITUTE OF BIOSCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGYSec. 86.61. INSTITUTE OF BIOSCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY. There is established at Texas A&M University the Institute of Biosciences and Technology. The operating budget, staffing, and activities of the institute shall be approved by the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 86.62. PURPOSES, OBJECTIVES, AND DUTIES OF THE INSTITUTE. The purposes, objectives, and duties of the institute are as follows:(1) to conduct pioneering biotechnology research at the interface between agriculture, veterinary science, and human medicine;(2) to provide a setting for exploratory life science research that encourages the development of new technologies of importance for human health care and facilitates the transfer of these technologies to synergistic areas of production animal agriculture;(3) to provide national leadership in scientific areas such as animal genetics that will result in the coupling of agriculture, food modifications and nutrition, and health promotion; and(4) to establish interdisciplinary programs with Texas research institutions that will provide a technology and education base to strengthen state industries in biotechnology and related areas and attract new biotechnology-based industries to Texas.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 86.63. RESEARCH AGREEMENTS. In fulfilling its purposes, objectives, and duties, the institute may enter into agreements and cooperate with private and public research entities.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 86.64. GIFTS, GRANTS, DONATIONS. In addition to funds appropriated to the institute, the board of regents on behalf of the institute may receive and accept gifts, grants, donations, and any other type of funds or things of value from any source, including the United States government and any private sources.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 86.65. EXPENDITURE OF STATE FUNDS. The board of regents is authorized to expend funds appropriated to it by the legislature for all lawful purposes of the institute as well as funds available under the authority of Article VII, Section 18, of the Texas Constitution for the purposes expressed therein in support of the institute and its programs.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 86.66. PERSONNEL. Persons employed by the institute shall be employees of Texas A&M University for all purposes.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

SUBCHAPTER E. OTHER COMPONENTS OF UNIVERSITYSec. 86.81. CENTER FOR TEXAS BEACHES AND SHORES. (a) The Center for Texas Beaches and Shores is a component of Texas A&M University.(b) The center is under the management and direction of the board.(c) The center shall:(1) research problems at coastal conservation areas;(2) study the effects of nature and humans on coastal conservation areas;(3) develop ways to control the loss of shoreline in coastal conservation areas and to avoid ecological damage to coastal conservation areas using innovative technologies; and(4) cooperate and consult with the General Land Office and other state agencies to manage coastal conservation areas.(d) The board may employ personnel for the center, including experts in coastal engineering, marine geology, ecology, biology, and economics.(e) The board may accept a gift or grant from any public or private source for the benefit of the center.(f) In this section:(1) "Center" means the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores.(2) "Coastal conservation areas" has the meaning assigned by Section 33.052(d), Natural Resources Code.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 832, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

SUBCHAPTER F. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM COASTAL BEND HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERSec. 86.91. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Board" means the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System.(2) "Center" means The Texas A&M University System Coastal Bend Health Education Center.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.92. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTER. The board shall establish The Texas A&M University System Coastal Bend Health Education Center.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.93. ROLE AND SCOPE OF CENTER. (a) The center shall develop and provide community-based instructional sites for the education of health care professionals.(b) The center may include any public or private medical, dental, nursing, or other health care or educational institutions for participation in its programs in the area served by the center.(c) The center may operate educational facilities located throughout the Coastal Bend area as determined appropriate by the board.(d) The board may execute and carry out affiliation or coordination agreements with any other educational entity or institution in the region, including a traditional or any other health service provider, to establish or to participate in the establishment or operation of the center.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.94. MANAGEMENT OF CENTER. (a) The board shall assign responsibility for the management of the center to The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.(b) The operating costs of the center shall be paid from operating funds of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center or any participating institution and from available funds of any other public or private entity.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.95. AREAS OF CENTER EDUCATION. (a) The center may be used to provide undergraduate clinical education, graduate education, or other levels of health care education work, including work in areas related to the education of medical, dental, nursing, public health, or other health-related professionals, in the area served by the center in connection with any component institution or institutions of The Texas A&M University System as the board determines appropriate.(b) The center, in providing education under this subchapter, may:(1) utilize community outreach programs to provide persons receiving education at the center with any necessary experience; and(2) conduct research programs related to:(A) areas in which education is provided by the center; or(B) public health issues arising in or prevalent in the area served by the center.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.96. GIFTS AND GRANTS. The board may solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants from any public or private person or entity for the use and benefit of the center.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 86.97. COORDINATING BOARD SUPERVISION. The center is subject to the continuing supervision of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Chapter 61 and to the rules of the coordinating board adopted under Chapter 61.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

SUBCHAPTER G. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER SOUTH TEXAS CENTER FOR RURAL PUBLIC HEALTHSec. 86.981. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Board" means the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System.(2) "Center" means The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center South Texas Center for Rural Public Health.