SRC-MKV H.B. 323 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 323
77R9110 JSA-DBy: Oliveira (Lucio)
Education
4/30/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a center for border economic and enterprise development
(center) has been established at Texas A&M International University, The
University of Texas-Pan American, and The University of Texas at El Paso.
The centers develop and maintain an economic database, conduct economic
developmental research and planning, and provide technical assistance to
industrial and governmental entities. Because of Brownsville's proximity to
the border and its economic interdependence with the city of Matamoros and
northeastern Mexico, The University of Texas at Brownsville is in a
strategic position to research and collect data on border affairs. H.B. 323
creates a center for border economic and enterprise development at The
University of Texas at Brownsville.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 78, Education Code, by adding Section 78.09, as
follows: 

Sec. 78.09.  CENTER FOR BORDER ECONOMIC AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT. (a)
Requires the board of regents of The University of Texas System (board) to
establish a center for border economic and enterprise development at The
University of Texas at Brownsville.  

  (b)  Authorizes the center established under this section to carry out
certain duties. 
  
(c)  Authorizes the center to offer seminars and conduct conferences and
other educational programs concerning the Texas-Mexico border economy and
economic and enterprise development within the state.  

 (d)  Authorizes the board to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations to aid in the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the
center.  

(e)  Requires the center established under this section to cooperate fully
with similar programs operated by Texas A&M International University, The
University of Texas--Pan American, The University of Texas at El Paso, and
other institutions of higher education. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 69.22(e), Education Code, to add a reference to
The University of Texas at Brownsville. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 77.36(e), Education Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 87.504(e), Education Code, to make conforming
changes. 
 
SECTION 5.  Requires the board of regents of The University of Texas System
to establish a center for border economic and enterprise development at The
University of Texas at Brownsville under Section 78.09, Education Code, as
added by this Act, at the time determined appropriate by the board of
regents considering the money available for that purpose and the best
interests of the university. Authorizes, but does not require the board of
regents to, establish the center using appropriations or money available
for that purpose, including gifts, grants, and donations. 

SECTION 6.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.