AN ACT 1-1 relating to programs of institutions of higher education that 1-2 address small business research and development. 1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-4 SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is 1-5 amended by adding Section 61.0775 to read as follows: 1-6 Sec. 61.0775. BUSINESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) The 1-7 board shall designate an institution of higher education with 1-8 appropriate facilities and resources to conduct a continuing study 1-9 of the programs and other efforts of institutions of higher 1-10 education to address the needs of small businesses in this state 1-11 for assistance in research, development, and prototyping. 1-12 (b) At times the board considers appropriate, the 1-13 institution conducting the continuing study shall make 1-14 recommendations on actions that may be taken to address the needs 1-15 of small businesses as described by Subsection (a) in the most 1-16 cost-effective manner, including through the participation of 1-17 institutions of higher education in partnerships, ventures, or 1-18 projects that promote the commercialization of technology for or by 1-19 small businesses. The board shall deliver the recommendations to 1-20 appropriate institutions of higher education and to the 1-21 legislature. 1-22 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1997. 1-23 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the 2-1 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 2-2 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 2-3 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 2-4 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended. _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1040 passed the Senate on April 22, 1997, by a viva-voce vote; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 18, 1997, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1040 passed the House, with amendment, on May 16, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: _______________________________ Date _______________________________ Governor