The committee spent substantial time discussing Sections 22–24 and related language that would clarify the governance model for the State Board of Higher Education and the system office. A House speaker explained the provision is intended to allow the board to present a governance plan (for example, a chancellor model) and, if it adopts that model, to return to the Legislature with recommended statutory and constitutional changes.

House members also presented language setting an internal deadline: they asked that the board fill a commissioner or chancellor position by Feb. 1, 2026, and included a provision that could reduce the university system office budget monthly if the position remained unfilled after that date. A House representative said the intent was to create urgency because the system needs leadership and because an interim arrangement could otherwise persist for many months.

Senator Thomas and others objected to fixing a strict calendar deadline in statute, noting it could force a rushed hire or create unintended consequences if the best-qualified candidate is not available by the specified date. "What if the most qualified person...isn't available until March 15?" Thomas asked, urging caution about an arbitrary statutory deadline.

Members agreed the board should report its governance proposal and progress, and some requested the report be made to the Higher Education Interim Committee by a specified date so legislators could digest proposals before enacting statutory changes. The chair said the committee will continue to refine the deadline language and suggested members would work between sessions to find acceptable statutory text.

No final action was recorded to adopt the Feb. 1, 2026 deadline as written; the item remains under negotiation and will return to a future meeting for more precise language.