S.B. No. 37         AN ACT   relating to the governance of public institutions of higher   education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and   certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for   members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and   duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of   the Ombudsman.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   ARTICLE 1. CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS          SECTION 1.01.  Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 51.315 to read as follows:          Sec. 51.315.  GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM REVIEW. (a) In   this section:                (1)  "General education curriculum" means a core   curriculum, as that term is defined by Section 61.821, and any other   curriculum or competency all undergraduate students of an   institution of higher education are required to complete before   receiving an undergraduate degree.                (2)  "Governing board" and "institution of higher   education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.          (b)  At least once every five years, the governing board of   each institution of higher education shall conduct a comprehensive   review of the general education curriculum established by the   institution.  In reviewing an institution's general education   curriculum, the governing board shall ensure courses in the   curriculum:                (1)  are foundational and fundamental to a sound   postsecondary education;                (2)  are necessary to prepare students for civic and   professional life;                (3)  equip students for participation in the workforce   and in the betterment of society; and                (4)  ensure a breadth of knowledge in compliance with   applicable accreditation standards.          (c)  In reviewing the general education curriculum of an   institution of higher education under Subsection (b), the governing   board of the institution shall consider the potential costs the   curriculum may impose on students, including for additional   tuition, fees, and time a student must spend to complete an   undergraduate degree program at the institution.          (d)  Each institution of higher education shall annually   submit to the governing board of the institution an update   regarding any changes to the general education curriculum offered   at the institution. The governing board may reserve the right to   overturn any decision made by the institution regarding any changes   to the general education curriculum offered at the institution.          (e)  The governing board of an institution of higher   education may appoint a committee to assist the governing board in   carrying out its duties under this section, including by making   recommendations to the governing board. Members of the committee   may include:                (1)  faculty employed full time by the institution;                (2)  institution administrators;                (3)  community leaders;                (4)  industry representatives; and                (5)  other individuals selected by the governing board.          (f)  Not later than January 1 of each year a review is   conducted under this section, the governing board of each   institution of higher education shall certify the governing board's   compliance with this section to the Texas Higher Education   Coordinating Board and each standing legislative committee and   subcommittee with primary jurisdiction over higher education.          SECTION 1.02.  Section 51.354, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 51.354.  INSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.   (a) The final decision-making authority on matters regarding an   institution of higher education's degree programs and curricula   belongs to the institution. The institution shall make the   decisions on those matters under the direction of the institution's   governing board.          (b)  In addition to specific responsibilities imposed by   this code or other law, each institution of higher education has the   general responsibility to serve the public and, within the   institution's role and mission, to:                (1)  transmit culture through general education;                (2)  extend knowledge;                (3)  teach and train students for professions;                (4)  provide for scientific, engineering, medical, and   other academic research;                (5)  protect intellectual exploration and academic   freedom;                (6)  strive for intellectual excellence;                (7)  provide educational opportunity for all who can   benefit from postsecondary education and training; and                (8)  provide continuing education opportunities.          SECTION 1.03.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 51.989 to read as follows:          Sec. 51.989.  REVIEW OF MINOR DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE   PROGRAMS. (a)  In this section, "governing board" and "institution   of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003.          (b)  The president or chief executive officer of an   institution of higher education shall adopt and implement a process   for reviewing minor degree and certificate programs offered by the   institution to identify programs with low enrollment that may   require consolidation or elimination.          (c)  The criteria for review under Subsection (b) must   require that minor degree and certificate programs have specific   industry data to substantiate workforce demand to avoid   consideration for consolidation or elimination.          (d)  A minor degree or certificate program that has operated   less than five years at the time the president or chief executive   officer of an institution of higher education conducts the review   under this section is exempt from that review.          (e)  The governing board of an institution of higher   education shall approve or deny any decision made by the president   or chief executive officer of the institution to consolidate or   eliminate a minor degree or certificate program as a result of the   review conducted under this section.          (f)  The president or chief executive officer of an   institution of higher education shall conduct a review under this   section once every five years.          SECTION 1.04.  Section 61.052, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:          (a-1)  A governing board may exclude from the comprehensive   list of courses submitted under Subsection (a) courses that were   not taught as an organized class or provided through individual   instruction for the preceding two academic years.          SECTION 1.05.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 61.0522 to read as follows:          Sec. 61.0522.  GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM ADVISORY   COMMITTEE. (a) In this section:                (1)  "Advisory committee" means the general education   curriculum advisory committee established under this section.                (2)  "General education curriculum" has the meaning   assigned by Section 51.315.          (b)  The board shall establish an advisory committee to   review the general education curriculum requirements of   institutions of higher education.          (c)  The board shall call for nominations from presidents or   chief executive officers, chancellors, and chief academic officers   at all institutions of higher education for representatives to   serve on the advisory committee. The board shall select a number of   representatives determined by the board from those nominated with   nominees drawn equally from two-year and four-year institutions.          (d)  The advisory committee shall consider methods for   determining general education curriculum component courses and for   condensing the number of general education curriculum courses   required at institutions of higher education.          (e)  Not later than November 1, 2026, the advisory committee   shall produce a report regarding the advisory committee's findings   and recommendations under this section and provide the report to   the board.          (f)  Not later than December 31, 2026, the board shall review   the advisory committee's report and submit to the legislature the   board's recommendations for legislative or other action necessary   to implement the findings of the report.          (g)  The advisory committee is abolished and this section   expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 1.06.  Not later than January 1, 2027, the governing   board of each public institution of higher education shall:                (1)  complete the governing board's initial review in   accordance with Section 51.315, Education Code, as added by this   Act; and                (2)  certify compliance with Section 51.315, Education   Code, as added by this Act, as required by Subsection (f) of that   section.   ARTICLE 2. INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE          SECTION 2.01.  Section 51.352, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (g) and (h) to read   as follows:          (d)  In addition to powers and duties specifically granted by   this code or other law, each governing board shall:                (1)  establish, for each institution under its control   and management, goals consistent with the role and mission of the   institution;                (2)  appoint the chancellor or other chief executive   officer of the system, if the board governs a university system;                (3)  appoint the president or other chief executive   officer of each institution under the board's control and   management and evaluate the chief executive officer of each   component institution and assist the officer in the achievement of   performance goals;                (4)  approve or deny the hiring of an individual for the   position of provost or deputy, associate, or assistant provost by   each institution under the board's control and management;                (5)  collaborate with institutions under its control   and management to set campus admission standards consistent with   the role and mission of the institution and considering the   admission standards of similar institutions nationwide having a   similar role and mission, as determined by the coordinating board;   and                (6) [(5)]  ensure that its formal position on matters   of importance to the institutions under its governance is made   clear to the coordinating board when such matters are under   consideration by the coordinating board.          (g)  The governing board of an institution of higher   education may overturn any hiring decision for the position of vice   president or dean made by the administration of a campus under the   board's control and management.  Action by the governing board   under this subsection shall be implemented by the institution   through appropriate action with respect to the relevant hiring   decision at issue, including rescission of an employment offer,   termination of employment, or termination of an employment   agreement.          (h)  The governing board of each institution of higher   education shall annually submit to the governor, the lieutenant   governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each   member of the legislature a report regarding decisions made by the   governing board for the applicable academic year on any hiring of   administration in which the board approved or denied the hiring   decision or took action under Subsection (g).          SECTION 2.02.  Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 51.3522, 51.3523, and 51.3541 to read as   follows:          Sec. 51.3522.  FACULTY COUNCIL OR SENATE. (a)  In this   section, "faculty council or senate" means a representative faculty   organization.          (b)  Only the governing board of an institution of higher   education may establish a faculty council or senate at the   institution. Before establishing the faculty council or senate,   the governing board must adopt a policy governing the selection of   the faculty council's or senate's members that:                (1)  ensures adequate representation of each college   and school of the institution;                (2)  requires the members to be faculty members; and                (3)  except as otherwise provided by the governing   board, limits the number of members to not more than 60 with at   least two representatives from each college or school, including:                      (A)  one member appointed by the president or   chief executive officer of the institution; and                      (B)  the remaining members elected by a vote of   the faculty of the member's respective college or school.          (c)  A faculty council or senate is advisory only and may not   be delegated the final decision-making authority on any matter. A   faculty council or senate shall represent the entire faculty of the   institution of higher education and advise the institution   administration and any system administration regarding matters   related to the general welfare of the institution.  A faculty   council or senate may not issue any statement or publish a report   using the institution's official seal, trademark, or resources   funded by the institution on any matter not directly related to the   council's or senate's duties to advise the institution   administration.          (d)  Service on the faculty council or senate is an   additional duty of the faculty member's employment.  Members of the   faculty council or senate are not entitled to compensation or   reimbursement of expenses for their role as members of the faculty   council or senate unless the expense is on behalf of and approved by   the institution of higher education.          (e)  A member of the faculty council or senate appointed by   the president or chief executive officer of the institution of   higher education in accordance with Subsection (b)(3)(A) may serve   up to six consecutive one-year terms and then may only be   reappointed after the second anniversary of the last day of the   member's most recent term. A member of the faculty council or   senate elected by a vote of the faculty of the member's respective   college or school serves a two-year term, staggered in a manner that   allows approximately one-half of the elected members to be elected   each year, and may only be reelected after the second anniversary of   the last day of the member's most recent term.          (f)  A faculty member serving on the faculty council or   senate may be immediately removed from the council or senate for   failing to conduct the member's responsibilities within the   council's or senate's parameters, failing to attend council or   senate meetings, or engaging in other similar misconduct. A member   of a faculty council or senate may be removed on recommendation of   the institution's provost and approval by the institution's   president or chief executive officer.          (g)  The president or chief executive officer of the   institution of higher education shall appoint a presiding officer,   associate presiding officer, and secretary from the members of the   faculty council or senate.          (h)  The presiding officer appointed under Subsection (g)   shall preside over meetings of the faculty council or senate and   represent the council or senate in official communications with the   institution administration and any system administration.          (i)  Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to a   faculty council or senate.          (j)  The faculty council or senate shall conduct meetings at   which a quorum is present in a manner that is open to the public and   in accordance with procedures prescribed by the president or chief   executive officer of the institution of higher education.          (k)  The faculty council or senate shall broadcast over the   Internet live video and audio, as applicable, of each open meeting   of the council or senate if more than 50 percent of the members of   the council or senate are in attendance.          (l)  The faculty council or senate shall adopt rules for   establishing a quorum.          (m)  The following shall be made available to the public on   the institution of higher education's Internet website not later   than the seventh day before a meeting of the faculty council or   senate:                (1)  an agenda for the meeting with sufficient detail   to indicate the items that are to be discussed or that will be   subject to a vote; and                (2)  any curriculum proposals reviewed by the council   or senate that will be discussed or voted on at the meeting.          (n)  The names of the members in attendance must be recorded   at a meeting in which the faculty council or senate conducts   business related to:                (1)  a vote of no confidence regarding an institution   or system administrator; or                (2)  policies related to curriculum and academic   standards.          (o)  This section may not be construed to limit a faculty   member of an institution of higher education from exercising the   faculty member's right to freedom of association protected by the   United States Constitution or Texas Constitution.          Sec. 51.3523.  SHARED GOVERNANCE. (a)  In this section,   "governing board" and "institution of higher education" have the   meanings assigned by Section 61.003.           (b)  Institutions of higher education in this state shall be   governed by a principle of shared governance, which refers to a   structured decision-making process in which the governing board of   the institution exercises ultimate authority and responsibility   for institutional oversight, financial stewardship, and policy   implementation, while allowing for appropriate consultation with   faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders on matters related   to academic policy and institutional operations. The principle of   shared governance may not be construed to diminish the authority of   the governing board to make final decisions in the best interest of   the institution, students, and taxpayers.          (c)  Administrators at institutions of higher education must   make decisions in a manner that promotes efficiency,   accountability, and responsiveness to state priorities, workforce   needs, and the institution's institutional mission. Faculty and   staff may provide recommendations on academic matters, but that   input is only advisory in nature, ensuring that governing boards   and institutional leadership retain clear and ultimate   decision-making authority. Shared governance structures may not be   used to obstruct, delay, or undermine necessary institutional   reforms or serve as a mechanism for advancing ideological or   political agendas.          Sec. 51.3541.  RESPONSIBILITY OF PRESIDENT OR CHIEF   EXECUTIVE OFFICER. (a) In this section, "governing board" and   "institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by   Section 61.003.          (b)  The president or chief executive officer of an   institution of higher education shall conduct annual evaluations   for individuals who hold the positions of vice president, provost,   dean, or a similar leadership position that oversees curriculum or   student affairs for the institution and report to the institution's   governing board regarding any decision to remove an individual from   a position described by this subsection.          SECTION 2.03.  Section 51.913, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as   follows:          (a)  In [As used in] this section:                (1)  "Executive[, the term "executive] search   committee" means [shall mean] a committee formed by an act of a   board of regents of an institution of higher education, which has as   its primary purpose the evaluation and assessment of candidates and   nominees for the position of president or chief executive officer   of a system administration, institution of higher education, or   other agency of higher education [as defined in Section 61.003 of   this code].                (2)  "Institution of higher education" and "other   agency of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section   61.003.          (c)  The membership of an executive search committee for a   president or chief executive officer of an institution of higher   education must include at least two members of the institution's   governing board with at least one of those members serving as the   chair.          SECTION 2.04.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 51.9431 to read as follows:          Sec. 51.9431.  GRIEVANCE, HIRING, AND DISCIPLINE   DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY. (a) In this section, "institution of   higher education" and "university system" have the meanings   assigned by Section 61.003.          (b)  Only the president or chief executive officer or provost   of an institution of higher education, university system   administration, or the president's or chief executive officer's,   provost's, or administration's designee may be involved in   decision-making regarding review of a faculty grievance, including   under Section 51.960, or the faculty discipline process.          (c)  A faculty member of an institution of higher education   who does not serve in an administrative leadership position may not   have final decision-making authority on the hiring of an individual   for any faculty or administrative leadership position at the   institution.   ARTICLE 3.  COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER   EDUCATION          SECTION 3.01.  Section 61.031, Education Code, is reenacted   and amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.031.  OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN [PUBLIC INFORMATION AND   COMPLAINTS]. (a) In this section:                (1)  "Office" means the Texas Higher Education   Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman established under this   section.                (2)  "Ombudsman" means the individual serving as   ombudsman for the office.          (b)  The board shall establish the Texas Higher Education   Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman to serve as an   intermediary between the legislature and the public and   institutions of higher education, including by answering questions   from the legislature and the public regarding the obligations of an   institution of higher education to students, faculty, employees,   and the public.  The office shall perform the functions described by   this section and coordinate the board's compliance monitoring   functions under Section 61.035.  The ombudsman shall serve as the   director of compliance and monitoring.          (b-1)  The governor, with the advice and consent of the   senate, shall appoint a person to serve as ombudsman.  The ombudsman   serves at the pleasure of the governor.          (c)  The office shall receive and, if necessary, investigate   complaints submitted in accordance with Subsection (d) regarding an   institution of higher education's failure to comply with:                (1)  Section 51.315;                (2)  Section 51.3522;                (3)  Section 51.3525;                (4)  Section 51.3541;                (5)  Section 51.9431; and                (6)  Section 61.0522.           (d)  A student or faculty or staff member at an institution   of higher education who has reason to believe an institution of   higher education has failed to comply with a provision listed under   Subsection (c) may submit a written complaint to the office that:                (1)  provides the individual's name and contact   information;                (2)  states the specific statute the individual   believes has been violated; and                (3)  includes specific facts supporting the   allegation, including:                      (A)  relevant dates;                      (B)  identifying information regarding the   individuals involved; and                      (C)  any supporting evidence in the individual's   possession.          (d-1)  An individual is not eligible to file a complaint   under Subsection (d) if the individual has filed with another state   agency, a federal agency, or a court, as applicable, one of the   following against the institution of higher education that is the   subject of the complaint:                 (1)  a lawsuit that makes the same or similar   allegations or arises out of the same factual situation; or                 (2)  an administrative complaint that makes the same or   similar allegations or arises out of the same factual situation.           (d-2)  The office shall dismiss any complaint that the office   determines was filed in violation of Subsection (d-1).          (d-3)  An individual who knowingly submits a false complaint   under Subsection (d) shall be held responsible for any costs   incurred by the office in conducting an investigation resulting   from the false complaint. The office may refuse to investigate a   future complaint filed by an individual who is found to have   knowingly filed a false complaint.          (e)  The office [board] shall maintain a file on each written   complaint filed with the board.  The file must include:                (1)  the name of the individual [person] who filed the   complaint;                (2)  the date the complaint is received by the board;                (3)  the subject matter of the complaint;                (4)  the name of each individual [person] contacted in   relation to the complaint;                (5)  a summary of the results of the review or   investigation of the complaint; and                (6)  an explanation of the reason the file was closed,   if the office [board] closed the file without taking action other   than to investigate the complaint.          (f) [(b)]  The office [board] shall provide to the   individual [person] filing the complaint and to each individual   alleged to be involved in the failure to comply [person who is a   subject of the complaint] a copy of the office's [board's] policies   and procedures relating to complaint investigation and resolution.          (g)  The office shall notify the governing board of the   institution of higher education that is the subject of a complaint   of noncompliance that meets the requirements under Subsection (d)   not later than the fifth day after the date the office receives the   complaint. The governing board of the institution shall respond to   the complaint not later than the 175th day after the date the   governing board receives the notice unless the office has granted   an extension for good cause.          (h)  In investigating a complaint of noncompliance regarding   an institution of higher education received under this section, the   office may request information from the institution. The governing   board of the institution shall respond in writing to the office's   written request for information not later than the 30th day after   the date the institution receives the request.  This subsection may   not be construed to require an institution to provide privileged   information to the office.          (i)  Based on findings related to an investigation under this   section, the office shall submit to the governing board of the   institution of higher education that is the subject of an   investigation under this section a report on the investigation that   includes the office's final determination regarding the   investigation and recommendations based on the conclusions of the   investigation.          (j) [(c)]  The office [board], at least quarterly until   final disposition of the complaint, shall notify the individual    [person] filing the complaint and each individual alleged to be   involved in the failure to comply [person who is a subject of the   complaint] of the status of the investigation unless the notice   would jeopardize an undercover investigation.          (k)  If, not later than the 180th day after the date the   office submits the report under Subsection (i) to the governing   board of an institution of higher education that is the subject of   an investigation under this section, the office determines the   governing board has not resolved any noncompliance issues   identified in the report, the office shall submit to the ombudsman   and state auditor a report on the noncompliance that includes the   office's recommendations.          (l)  On receipt of a report under Subsection (k), the   ombudsman may recommend to the legislature that the institution of   higher education not be allowed to spend money appropriated to the   institution for a state fiscal year until the institution's   governing board certifies compliance and the state auditor confirms   the institution's compliance.          (m) [(d)]  Notwithstanding any other provision of law,   information that relates to a current, former, or prospective   applicant or student of an educational institution and that is   obtained, received, or held by the office [board] for the purpose of   providing assistance with access to postsecondary education is   confidential and excepted from disclosure under Chapter 552,   Government Code, and may only be released in conformity with the   Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C.   Section 1232g).  The office [board] may withhold information   prohibited from being disclosed under this subsection without   requesting a decision from the attorney general under Subchapter G,   Chapter 552, Government Code.          (n)  The office may:                (1)  issue a civil investigative demand in the same   manner as the procedures prescribed by Subchapter B, Chapter 140B,   Civil Practice and Remedies Code, for civil investigative demands   issued by the attorney general or a local prosecuting attorney   under that subchapter; and                (2)  require cooperation from an institution of higher   education in an investigation under this section if the office   determines a complaint of noncompliance with a provision listed   under Subsection (c) is credible.          (o)  The office shall annually submit a report to the   governor, the lieutenant governor, the state auditor, and the chair   of each standing legislative committee with jurisdiction over   higher education regarding:                (1)  the number of complaints of noncompliance with a   provision listed under Subsection (c) received by the office;                (2)  the number of investigations conducted and   substantiated by the office; and                (3)  a summary of the results of investigations   described by Subdivision (2).          SECTION 3.02.  Section 61.0512(c), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The board shall review each degree or certificate   program offered by an institution of higher education at the time   the institution requests to implement a new program to ensure that   the program:                (1)  meets a national need or is needed by the state and   the local community, and does not unnecessarily duplicate programs   offered by other institutions of higher education or private or   independent institutions of higher education;                (2)  has adequate financing from legislative   appropriation, funds allocated by the board, or funds from other   sources;                (3)  has necessary faculty and other resources to   ensure student success; and                (4)  meets academic standards specified by law or   prescribed by board rule, including rules adopted by the board for   purposes of this section, or workforce standards established by the   Texas Workforce Investment Council.          SECTION 3.03.  Section 61.084, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (i) to read as   follows:          (d)  The content of the instruction at the training program   shall focus on the official role and duties of the members of   governing boards and shall provide training in the areas of   budgeting, policy development, ethics, and governance.  Topics   covered by the training program must include:                (1)  auditing procedures and recent audits of   institutions of higher education;                (2)  the enabling legislation that creates   institutions of higher education;                (3)  the role of the governing board at institutions of   higher education and the relationship between the governing board   and an institution's administration, faculty and staff, and   students, including limitations on the authority of the governing   board;                (4)  the mission statements of institutions of higher   education;                (5)  disciplinary and investigative authority of the   governing board;                (6)  the requirements of the open meetings law, Chapter   551, Government Code, and the open records law, Chapter 552,   Government Code;                (7)  the requirements of conflict of interest laws and   other laws relating to public officials;                (8)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by   institutions of higher education or the Texas Ethics Commission;                (9)  the requirements of laws relating to the   protection of student information under the Family Educational   Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g) or any   other federal or state law relating to the privacy of student   information; [and]                (10)  an overview of the legislature, the General   Appropriations Act, and the state budget as those topics relate to   the responsibilities of the governing board;                (11)  an emphasis on the commitment the members of the   governing board are making to:                      (A)  the institutions of higher education under   the board's control and management and, if applicable, the   university system;                      (B)  this state; and                      (C)  taxpayers of this state; and                (12)  any other topic relating to higher education the   board considers important.          (i)  On completion of a training program under this section,   a member of a governing board shall provide a sworn statement   affirming the member's understanding of the member's duties and   responsibilities.   ARTICLE 4.  APPLICABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE          SECTION 4.01.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of   this section, this Act applies beginning January 1, 2026.          (b)  A faculty council or senate established at a public   institution of higher education before the effective date of this   Act is abolished on September 1, 2025, unless:                (1)  the faculty council or senate was established in   the manner prescribed by Section 51.3522, Education Code, as added   by this Act; or                (2)  the faculty council's or senate's continuation is   ratified by the institution's governing board before that date   based on a finding by the governing board that the faculty council   or senate meets the requirements of any policy adopted by the   governing board under that section.          (c)  A faculty council or senate authorized but not yet   established at a public institution of higher education before the   effective date of this Act may be established only in the manner   prescribed by Section 51.3522, Education Code, as added by this   Act.          SECTION 4.02.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.               ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 37 passed the Senate on   April 16, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11;   May 28, 2025, Senate refused to concur in House amendments and   requested appointment of Conference Committee; May 29, 2025, House   granted request of the Senate; May 31, 2025, Senate adopted   Conference Committee Report by the following vote:  Yeas 20,   Nays 11.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 37 passed the House, with   amendments, on May 25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 85,   Nays 56, one present not voting; May 29, 2025, House granted   request of the Senate for appointment of Conference Committee;   May 31, 2025, House adopted Conference Committee Report by the   following vote:  Yeas 83, Nays 47, two present not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________               Date       ______________________________              Governor