SRC-PNG C.S.S.B. 976 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 976 76R11670 CAG-FBy: Brown Economic Development 4/28/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has backed technology outreach programs in at least one other state, in accordance with its charter, which states that technologies developed during space exploration are to be shared with American companies. For instance, Florida has developed a Technological Research and Development Authority, which has been very successful in teaming county economic development organizations and NASA-Kennedy Space Center to apply NASA and private aerospace engineering expertise to the challenges of local businesses, at no cost to the businesses. Florida officials estimate that these contributions have saved four companies from closing, and have protected and created other jobs. This bill would create a Texas business technology outreach program to assist businesses in the state in making use of technology developed by NASA at the University of Houston. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 976 creates a Texas business technology outreach program to assist businesses in the state in making use of technology developed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration 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 to develop and establish a business technology outreach program to assist businesses in this state to make use of technology developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Requires the board to work with NASA, appropriate businesses, and economic development organizations in this state to carry out the program. Authorizes the board to award grants to economic development organizations for use in recruiting appropriate businesses for participation in the program and provide other appropriate assistance to program participants, from money appropriated to or otherwise under the control of the board. Requires the board to appoint an advisory board of technical advisors to evaluate requests from economic development organizations and businesses for assistance under the program and advise the board on distribution of the assistance. Requires the board to adopt rules to administer the program, including rules relating to application and eligibility for grants. Authorizes the board to enter agreements as necessary to carry out the program. SECTION 2. Provides that before September 1, 2000, the board shall provide assistance under Section 111.42, Education Code, only in a county with a population of more than 200,000 that contains, or is contiguous to a county that contains, a NASA facility. Authorizes the board to provide assistance throughout the state, on or after September 1, 2000. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act does not make an appropriation. Provides that SECTION 1 does not require the board to establish a business technology outreach program unless money is specifically appropriated to fund the program. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 111C, Education Code, by adding Section 111.42, rather than amending Chapter 482, Government Code, by adding Section 482.004. Requires the board, rather than the Texas Aerospace Commission, to develop and establish a business technology outreach program to assist businesses in this state to make use of technology developed by NASA. Authorizes the board to award grants to economic development organizations for use in recruiting appropriate businesses for participation in the program and provide other appropriate assistance to program participants, from money appropriated to or otherwise under the control of the board, rather than money in the Texas Aerospace Commission account. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act does not make an appropriation. Provides that SECTION 1 does not require the board to establish a business technology outreach program unless money is specifically appropriated to fund the program. Redesignates proposed SECTIONS 3 and 4 as SECTIONS 4 and 5.