The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened on March 20, 2025, to address critical issues affecting higher education governance in Texas. The meeting focused on the attendance of governing board members at institutional meetings, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first significant agenda item was presented by Senator Kolkhorst, who raised concerns regarding the absenteeism of governing board members from essential meetings. It was noted that some meetings lacked a quorum, which led to delays in crucial budget votes. Senator Kolkhorst emphasized the importance of in-person attendance, stating that being present allows members to engage more effectively with one another and the public.

To address these concerns, Senator Kolkhorst introduced Senate Bill 724. This legislation mandates that each member of a governing board at institutions of higher education must attend at least 75% of meetings in person. Should a member fail to meet this requirement, the first violation incurs a civil penalty of $1,000, which will be allocated to scholarships at the institution. A second violation would render the member ineligible for reappointment to any governing board.

The discussion highlighted parallels with private sector practices, where attendance requirements are common, even for unpaid board members of charitable organizations. Senator Kolkhorst and other committee members expressed that such measures are reasonable and necessary for maintaining effective governance.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the committee would recess at 9:45 AM to attend to other legislative duties, with plans to resume discussions on bills and witness testimonies upon their return. Overall, the session underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing accountability and engagement within higher education governance in Texas.