THECB staff summarize post‑session obligations, studies and upcoming events
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Summary
Sarah Keaton, deputy commissioner for administration at the Higher Education Coordinating Board, told the agency operations committee on Oct. 22, 2025, that recent legislative sessions produced more than 125 new agency obligations and 13 interim studies the board must carry out.
Sarah Keaton, deputy commissioner for administration at the Higher Education Coordinating Board, told the agency operations committee on Oct. 22, 2025, that the recent legislative activity created a significant set of new obligations for the agency.
Keaton said more than 76 bills passed that affect the coordinating board, resulting in 125 new obligations the agency must carry out and 13 studies the board is tasked with completing during the interim. "We had more than 76 bills passed that impacted the coordinating board in various ways, resulting in 125 new obligations for the agency and 13 studies that our agency is tasked with doing this interim," Keaton said.
The board was also briefed on two standing interim efforts: a general education committee and a performance‑based funding advisory committee. Keaton said the performance‑based funding committee has met twice, has formed working groups on attainment, affordability, persistence and post‑collegiate outcomes, and that a legislative working group has met with legislative leadership to align on intent and expectations. She said the committees will continue meeting and will bring reports and recommendations to the board ahead of the next legislative session.
Sydney Gaetan, senior director for government relations, gave additional interim context and flagged a joint Senate and House select committee hearing on civil discourse and free speech in higher education scheduled for Nov. 13 in Austin. She also said agency staff meet regularly with legislative leaders, bill authors and constituents to support implementation of statutory duties.
Keaton and Gaetan noted one specific statutory outcome from the second special session: House Bill 8, which directs the tri‑agency group (the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Workforce Commission) to develop and distribute a list of industry certifications that prepare students for "high wage, high skill, and high demand" occupations. Keaton said that bill was the only item from the special session that directly involved the coordinating board.
The presenters also highlighted the governor's priority of a free college application week and said Assistant Commissioner Brandon Griggs will provide more details at a subsequent meeting. Keaton said the agency's comprehensive legislative report summarizing the 89th regular session and two special sessions will be posted on the coordinating board website the day after the committee meeting.
Gaetan promoted the board's annual convening, referred to in the presentation as the "Higher Edges" conference, and said it will be held in December at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin with panels and keynote speakers focused on transitions from classroom to career.
Why it matters: Keaton framed the workload as significant for implementation, oversight and reporting. Committee members were given notice of standing committees and working groups that will produce recommendations and reports for future board action and oversight.
Looking ahead, Keaton said staff will continue to present interim work and recommendations to the board and that the posted legislative report will serve as a resource for board members and stakeholders.
