✅Relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.

HB 1022

✅ HB 1022: Expanding Course Access for the Middle Rio Grande Region

What it says it does:
HB 1022 removes the “upper-level” restriction from Sul Ross State University’s Rio Grande College campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. It allows them to offer freshman and sophomore courses, not just junior and senior ones.

What it actually changes:
This small wording change in the Education Code opens the door for those campuses to function as full four-year institutions. Students can complete entire bachelor’s degrees locally under the Texas State University System’s existing oversight.

Who is pushing for it:
Rep. Eddie Morales authored the bill, with Sen. César Blanco carrying it in the Senate. The City of Eagle Pass and the group DFER TX appeared in support, and the Texas State University System testified neutrally “on” the bill.

Who benefits:
Students and families in the Middle Rio Grande Region gain local access to complete degrees. The Texas State University System and Sul Ross can grow enrollment without creating a new university, and local employers benefit from a stronger talent pipeline.

Who gets left out or exposed:
The bill includes no new state funding. Expansion will depend on TSUS’s own resources and private commitments, including over 100 acres of donated land and a $30 million system investment for facilities. Students still rely on affordable tuition and program rollout to make this opportunity real.

Why this matters long term:
HB 1022 could become a model for other regions seeking “downward expansion” at upper-division campuses. It’s a test case for how Texas can expand access to higher education in rural and underserved areas without adding new bureaucracy.

What to watch next:
Track when lower-division classes actually start, how quickly new facilities are built, and whether tuition remains affordable. Watch for transparent reporting on the promised land and capital investments tied to this change.

Bottom line:
HB 1022 is a quiet but meaningful win for educational access. It strengthens local opportunity and keeps control within existing oversight structures. The next step is making sure the promise becomes practice on the ground.

#HB1022 #TexasPolicy #TexasHigherEd #CollegeAccess #KnowBeforeYouVote