SRC-HRD S.B. 1040 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1040
By: Truan
Education
4-13-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

In its 1996 Interim Report. the International Relations, Trade &
Technology Committee found that an effective technology policy should
intentionally create an environment that allows entrepreneurs the freedom
to develop technology and encourage existing industry to adopt and
implement that technology.  The committee also found, however, that the
rate of success of the transfer of university research to practical
production within Texas to be relatively low.  This bill would require the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a continuing study of
the programs and other efforts of higher education to address the needs of
small business in this state for assistance in research, development, and
prototyping. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1040 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board to conduct a continuing study of the programs and other efforts of
institutions of higher education to address the needs of small businesses
in this state for assistance in research, development, and prototyping.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61C, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0775,
as follows: 

Sec. 61.0775.  BUSINESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.  Requires the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (board) to conduct a continuing study
of the programs and other efforts of institutions of higher education to
address the needs of small businesses in this state for assistance in
research, development, and prototyping.  Requires the board, at times the
board considers appropriate, to make recommendations to appropriate
institutions of higher education or the legislature on actions that may be
taken to address the needs of small businesses as described by Subsection
(a) in the most cost-effective manner, including through the participation
by institutions of higher education in partnerships, ventures, or projects
that promote the commercialization of technology for or by small
businesses. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.