HB718 - Relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education from partnering with certain private entities for the construction of a student housing facility.

      H.B. No. 718         AN ACT   relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education   from partnering with certain private entities for the construction   of a student housing facility.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 51.9273 to read as follows:           Sec.   51.9273.     CERTAIN PARTNERSHIPS TO CONSTRUCT STUDENT   HOUSING FACILITIES PROHIBITED. (a) In this section, "institution   of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.           (b)     An institution of higher education may not enter into a   contract to partner with a private entity to construct a student   housing facility if the entity has a pending action or lien against   the entity or entity's property relating to a claim for nonpayment   of a contractor, subcontractor, or vendor.   This section does not   apply to a claim for nonpayment if the entity:                 (1)  has provided a payment bond to cover the claim; or                 (2)     contests in good faith the validity or accuracy of   the claim.          SECTION 2.  Section 51.9273, Education Code, as added by   this Act, applies only to a contract entered into on or after the   effective date of this Act. A contract entered into before the   effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the   date the contract was entered into, and the former law is continued   in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 718 was passed by the House on April   30, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 131, Nays 6, 2 present, not   voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.   No. 718 on May 30, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 136, Nays 0, 2   present, not voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House               I certify that H.B. No. 718 was passed by the Senate, with   amendments, on May 28, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays   0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor