SRC-AXB H.B. 2992 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2992 76R11670 CAG-FBy: Davis, John (Brown) Education 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a charter which states that technologies developed during space exploration are to be shared with American companies. One such technology outreach program in Florida is offered at no cost to businesses. H.B. 2992 creates a business technology outreach program at the University of Houston to make use of NASA technology. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2992 creates a business technology outreach program at the University of Houston. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Board of Regents of the University of Houston in SECTION 1 (Section 111.42(d), Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 111C, Education Code, by adding Section 111.42, as follows: Sec. 111.42. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM. Requires the Board of Regents of the University of Houston (board) to develop and establish a business technology outreach program to make use of technology develop by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Requires the board to work with certain entities to carry out the program. Authorizes the board to award grants to recruit appropriate businesses to participate in the program and to provide assistance. Requires the board to appoint an advisory board of technical advisors to evaluate requests for, and advise on the distribution of, assistance under the program. Requires the board to adopt administration rules, including rules relating to application and eligibility for grants. Authorizes the board to enter into necessary agreements to cary out the program. SECTION 2. Requires the board to provide assistance only in certain counties before September 1, 2000. Authorizes BRUH to provide statewide assistance on an after September 1, 2000. SECTION 3. Specifies that this Act does not make an appropriation. Specifies that Section 1 of this Act does not require BRUH to establish a program unless money is specifically appropriated to fund the program. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.