THECB approves streamlined operating procedures, removes standing committees from written bylaws

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board voted to approve revisions to its board operating policies and agenda format on Nov. 12, with the stated goal of making meetings more efficient.

Assistant General Counsel Doug Brock, who presented the changes, told the board that “the biggest item you're gonna see in these revised policies procedures is the removal of the standing committees, therefore, moving the board to 1 day board meeting.” Brock said the revisions would replace embedded restatements of law with hyperlinks to the current statutes so the operating procedures do not become out of date when statutes change.

Board members raised questions about usability. Emma Navarez asked how the document would handle statutory language governing board composition, noting it might be harder to consult if the code were removed from the narrative. Brock and Chair Stacy Hawk said hyperlinks to the relevant code could be added for convenience while avoiding duplicative, quickly outdated text.

The changes also create a consent agenda so routine items can be approved with a single motion and vote; any member can request an item be removed from consent for separate discussion. A motion to approve the revisions was made and seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and recorded the motion as passed.

Supporters said the changes are intended to free up board meeting time for substantive policy, financial and strategic items. The board directed staff to accept feedback and consider tweaks to the draft procedures as the board implements the new format.

The board took the operating policy vote in open session before moving to a closed session on a related personnel item.