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.