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.