SRC-SLL H.B. 1874 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1874
By: Hinojosa (Lucio)
Education
5/11/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the International Trade and Technology Center at the University
of Texas--Pan American, does not operate a video conferencing program.
H.B. 1874 sets forth provisions regarding the operation and administration
of a small business video conferencing pilot project. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1874 sets forth provisions regarding the operation and
administration of a small business video conferencing pilot project. 

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 Section 77.15(a), Education Code, to delete text
regarding land contiguous or adjacent to the main campus of The University
of Texas--Pan American. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 77B, Education Code, by adding Section 77.16, as
follows: 

Sec.  77.16.  SMALL BUSINESS VIDEO CONFERENCING PILOT PROJECT.  Requires
the International Trade and Technology Center (center) at the University of
Texas--Pan American to develop and implement a video conferencing pilot
program designed 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 for the
development of the project.  Authorizes the center to solicit and accept
gifts and grants from any source to cover the cost of administering the
project.  Sets forth provisions regarding submission of initial and final
reports to the governor and the legislature.  Provides that this section
expires September 1, 2004. 

SECTION 3.  (a) Effective date: September 1, 1999.

(b) Requires the center to establish a pilot project as described by
Section 77.16, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than January
1, 2000. 

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.