SRC-ARR H.B. 2547 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2547 By: Williams (Bernsen) Education 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST In 1985, the 68th Legislature enacted legislation creating the Geo-Technology Research Institute to assist in the development of the Texas oil and gas industry. The charter of the institute may need to be expanded to address environmental and information technology challenges facing today's oil and gas industry. H.B. 2547 sets forth requirements for the operation of the Geo-Technology Research Institute. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2547 sets forth requirements for the operation of the Geo-Technology Research Institute. 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 149.002, Education Code, to provide that the Geo-Technology Research Institute (institute) is located at the Houston Advance Research Center, a research consortium that includes the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Rice University, and the University of Houston. SECTION 2. Amends Section 149.004, Education Code, to require the institute to conduct basic and applied research and analysis in geoscience, rather than geophysics, geo-technology, and related fields, including the implementation of technological advances and development of integrated databases. Requires research of the institute to be made available to state agencies, rather than the General Land Office and Railroad Commission, other public bodies and officials, industry, and private citizens, rather than groups. Deletes text regarding discovery of new reserves and development of technology. SECTION 3. Amends Sections 149.005(a) and (c), Education Code, to authorize the institute to receive certain funds. Provides that the use of state funds is limited to expenditures for basic and applied research and analysis, excluding construction costs. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.