SRC-HRD S.B. 814 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 814 By: Truan International Relations, Trade & Technology 3-14-97 As Filed DIGEST According to the International Relations, Trade & Technology Committee Interim Report, the coming century promises to present the world's trading sector with unprecedented opportunities, challenges and innovative ways to conduct business. Emerging telecommunications technologies and the application of these technologies will play an increasingly important role in the success of small- and medium-sized businesses. One of the more promising new technologies for such businesses interested in international commerce is video teleconferencing. Currently, the majority of Texas' university system schools have these technologies in place. This bill would require the Texas Department of Commerce to develop a video teleconferencing program to assist small businesses in establishing international trade relationships by allowing the businesses access to certain video conferencing facilities for a fee. In addition, this bill would require the department to submit a report to the governor and the legislature regarding the effectiveness of the pilot program. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 814 requires the Texas Department of Commerce (department) to develop a video teleconferencing pilot program to assist small businesses in establishing international trade relationships by allowing the businesses access to certain video teleconferencing facilities for a fee. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Commerce under SECTION 1 of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Department of Commerce (department), by rule, to develop a video teleconferencing pilot program to assist small businesses in establishing international trade relationships by allowing the businesses access to certain video conferencing facilities for a fee. Sets forth requirements regarding the adoption of rules. SECTION 2. Requires the department, not later than January 15, 1999, to submit to the governor and the legislature an initial report concerning the effectiveness of the pilot program. Requires the department to submit to the governor and legislature a subsequent report not later than January 15, 2001. SECTION 3. (a) Effective date: September 1, 1997. (b) Requires the department to establish the pilot program required by this Act not later than January 1, 1998. SECTION 4. Expiration date: September 1, 2001. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.