Dustin Burrows Announces Legislation to Stop UT From Leaving Big 12

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Texas State Representatives Dustin Burrows of Lubbock has announced legislation intended to stop the University of Texas from leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC.

It was first reported on Wednesday, July 21st that UT and the University of Oklahoma had been wanting to join the SEC, and this was confirmed on Friday, July 23rd by multiple sources, claiming the 2 schools would make a formal request to exit the Big 12 the next Monday.

Other schools and lawmakers have opposed this, including Dustin Burrows, who said:

Texas lauds some of the finest universities and athletic programs in the nation. Their impact reaches far beyond their superiority in the classroom, distinction in research, and excellence on the field. They play a significant role in the economic development, tourism, and overall prominence of their respective regions. A decision to switch to a different athletic conference affects the opportunity and stability of our publicly-funded universities across the state and must be fully vetted in the most transparent and comprehensive manner possible. That is why I am joining my fellow House Chairmen and Senators Birdwell and Kolkhorst in authoring a bill to require legislative approval before an institution can take such action. The exceptionalism of the great state of Texas must not be left in the hands of a few but is a responsibility to be shared by all.

The Bill, filed by Burrows, would require legislative approval before a public senior college or university can change membership in a collegiate athletic conference.

KAMC News reports that this bill is joint authored by Jeff Leach, Greg Bonnen, and Charlie Green. This bill is currently supported by over 30 legislators that have initially signed on as co-authors.