In a landmark move for higher education in the Middle Rio Grande region, the Texas Senate voted yesterday to approve House Bill 1022 by State Rep. Eddie Morales, which would allow Sul Ross State University International to offer lower-division courses at its campuses in Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Uvalde, effective January 2026. The bill now awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature.

HB 1022 significantly enhances access to higher education in the region, particularly for students in underserved and rural communities. By granting Sul Ross the authority to expand its lower-level course offerings, the university will be able to serve as a more comprehensive educational resource and provide a smoother, more affordable path to a four-year degree. Currently, state law only allows SRSU’s campuses in the Middle Rio Grande to offer upper-division courses to students who have completed lower-division coursework at a community college.

“This is a transformative moment for Sul Ross and the communities we serve,” said President Carlos Hernandez. “By expanding access to lower-division coursework, we are removing barriers and opening doors for students. This legislation ensures that more Texans can stay close to home while pursuing their dreams of a college degree. We are deeply grateful to Representative Morales and Senator Cesar Blanco for recognizing the vital role Sul Ross plays in rural higher education.”

The passage of HB 1022 aligns with Sul Ross State University’s mission to serve affordable, accessible, high-quality education with a commitment to regional workforce development.

SRSU is a member of the Texas State University System. For more information, visit www.sulross.edu.