I am pleased to file the companion bill, SB 76, to Chairman Dustin Burrows' HB 298, which would require legislative approval before a public senior college or university can change membership in a collegiate athletic conference. HB 298 is joint authored by Representatives Jeff Leach, Greg Bonnen, and Charlie Geren. I also want to thank my Senate joint authors - Senators Lois Kolkhorst, Charles Perry, and Beverly Powell, for their support and collaborative efforts.

This legislation would inhibit the proposed move of the University of Texas to the SEC without legislative approval. Such a move would negatively impact other Big 12 schools in our state like Baylor, TCU, and Texas Tech. These schools and their surrounding communities heavily depend on the financial income that BIG 12 football provides. Without a significant player like Texas, along with the possible departure of OU, the Big 12 becomes a less favorable conference, effectively losing a substantial amount of viewership and attendance. Texas athletic programs are pivotal to many areas of our state. A major change in conference dynamics could have a devastating effect on tourism, the economy, and the general status of Texas collegiate regions. Conference membership and standing also have the power to greatly enhance academic opportunities and the recruiting of faculty, scholars, and students.

The University of Texas is an agent of the state and is ultimately making an economic decision solely focused on their own welfare. What is best for the University of Texas may not be best for the state as a whole. The legislature represents the best interest of the state. Therefore, this decision cannot be made independently without legislative approval. This bill is the necessary course of action to avoid universities making decisions that are for their betterment but to the detriment of the state.

I am honored to work with fellow legislative members in both the Senate and the House, who understand the importance of this legislation. I seek to expand support with co-authors in both bodies. Thank you to Chairman Burrows for his leadership in this effort.

My colleagues and I urge the Governor to add this essential piece of legislation to our agenda for this current special session.

Not to stop it, but to look like they are supporting their constituents and alma maters. Political maneuvering is all. Just listened to an interview with Dusty Burrows where he basically said as much,

They know this legislation is going nowhere…

• Texas Leg is in special session, which means only bills approved by the Governor can reach the floor…
• Gov. Abbott is a UT alumni and has already made it quite clear he won’t interfere…
• Even if it reaches the floor, Texas Dems are still out of state and nothing can pass…
• And regardless, UT and OU combined have enough alumni in the Texas leg to block it

Baylor grads own the TX government. Its how they got into the Big 12 over Houston in the first place.

That, and Texas not wanting Houston in the Big12.

Is there anyway they can tell a suitor they bring the Manhattan market, and hope they don’t do their dilligence?

I always find it funny that Missouri fans think they're in a position to make fun of KU.

Good luck with your dreams of KU being left out in the cold, btw. I'm hearing that a move to the B1G is already informally agreed upon.

Teicher was just on Soren Fatro. Apparently he’s a Mich State alum. Was asked to pick two schools he’d like BIG to grab. “How about USC and UCLA?”

Soren was like “No, I mean, for real.” Holy hell is Teicher stupid.

Does the PAC have a GOR for like the next ten years or did that fall through?

Edit- Or am I thinking of the ACC? Or both?

The smoke does seem to be increasing on that front. While it means nothing, several message boards (including B1G schools) already seem to be acting like KU is a done deal. Quite likely it's only because that's the only one with confirmed discussions so far.

PAC is through 23/24.
Big 12 is 24/25

ACC and SEC are the only ones going into the mid-2030s

It's weird how the kstate fans on here disappeared the past 5 years or so

They died with Dan.

Outside of back to back wins against OU there hasn’t been much to talk about. And the BB program is dead to me until they come to their senses and move on from Weber (not happening any time soon, if ever). And I know other K-State fans who feel pretty much the same.

I know K-State fans that hated the Weber hire from the first minute, and haven't backed off that stance for a second since then.

I’d be one of them. A couple of times he had me thinking I might have to back off but, ultimately reverted to type.

What was it KU fans said at the time of that hire? When you succeed at Illinois you go to KU; when you fail at Illinois you go to K-State. As much as that statement hurts the ****ing leadership and big donors were/are more concerned with our “image” (thus running Martin out of town) than having a winning program and proved it true.