SRC-HRD C.S.S.B. 814 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 814 By: Truan International Relations, Trade & Technology 4-9-97 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.S.B. 814 would require the International Trade and Technology Center at the University of Texas-Pan American 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. This bill would also require the center to submit a report to the governor and the legislature regarding the effectiveness of the pilot program. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 814 requires International Trade and Technology Center at the University of Texas-Pan American 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 This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the International Trade and Technology Center at the University of TexasPan American (center) 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 implementation of this program. SECTION 2. Requires the center, 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 center 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 center to establish the pilot program required by Section 2 of this Act not later than January 1, 1998. SECTION 4. Expiration date: September 1, 2002. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Requires the International Trade and Technology Center at the University of Texas-Pan American, rather than the Texas Department of Commerce, to develop a video teleconferencing pilot program. Sets forth requirements regarding implementation of the program, rather than requirements in adopting rules. Deletes a requirement regarding the establishment of a pilot program in three counties with a population of 590,000 or more. Adds a requirement regarding the utilization of mobile telecommunications facilities. Adds a provision regarding the covering of costs. SECTION 2. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Provides that the center should, rather than the Department of Commerce shall, establish the pilot program required by this Act not later than January 1, 1998. SECTION 4. Provides that the expiration date of this Act is September 1, 2002, rather than September 1, 2001.