Capitol Ideas
Rice advances research, policy and student priorities during 89th Texas Legislative session.
Fall 2025
By Joel Resendez
The 89th Texas Legislative Session closed on June 2, 2025, after 140 days of policymaking and passing a record-setting $338 billion budget for the 2026–27 biennium. Of the 9,275 bills and resolutions filed, fewer than 1,400 passed — but Rice helped shape some of the most impactful. President Reginald DesRoches made two visits to the Capitol, and Rice leaders played a key role in advancing major priorities and shaping new laws in areas as diverse as water and infrastructure, space and support for community college transfers.
Health and Brain Science
A highlight of this session was the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, or DPRIT, to expedite research and drive scientific breakthroughs in brain dementia and brain health. Rice contributed to a supportive higher ed/health care coalition and worked with the lieutenant governor’s team to designate the initial funding of $3 billion. The institute’s establishment is contingent upon voter approval of a state constitutional amendment this November.
Research and Innovation
SB 1032 would have expanded the definition of an “eligible institution” for the Governor’s University Research Initiative under the Excellence in Higher Education Act to include a private or independent institution of higher education. Rice and other private universities in Texas want to participate in this program in order to help attract distinguished researchers from around the world to Texas. The bill passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor, who cited the program’s lack of funding from the legislature.
Higher Education and Student Health
SB 1409 permits all Texas higher education institutions the ability to self-insure their student health care plans, lowering costs for students and schools and improving plan options. Rice leadership testified and met with legislators to secure support, and State Sen. Tan Parker (Senate District 12) and State Rep. Ann Johnson (House District 134, which includes Rice’s campus) carried the proposal during the legislative session.
Celebrating Rice Day at the Capitol
On April 14, 2025, more than 50 Rice students, faculty and staff visited the Capitol in Austin for the very first Rice Day at the Texas Capitol. President DesRoches led the delegation for a day of advocacy, connection, and celebration of the university’s impact on the state and beyond. A highlight was celebrating 50th anniversaries for Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Shepherd School of Music, George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, and Wiess School of Natural Sciences.