SRC-SEW H.B. 3309 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3309 77R12210 JSA-FBy: Hochberg (Ellis) State Affairs 5/2/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Texas is recognized as a leading technology state, and the life science industry has become an increasingly important contributor to the Texas economy. Currently, Texas exports valuable biotechnologies to other states that then profit from their commercialization. Of the Texas institutions that provide life science research, several are centered in Houston's Texas Medical Center-University Corridor (TMC-University Corridor). Many believe that Texas will be able to attract and retain more entrepreneurial talent, leading scientists, and established biotechnology enterprises with the creation of a biotechnology park. H.B. 3309 creates the Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park in the TMCUniversity Corridor in Houston. 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 Title 4F, Government Code, by adding Chapter 488, as follows: CHAPTER 488. SOUTHEAST TEXAS BIOTECHNOLOGY PARK Sec. 488.001. COALITION ESTABLISHMENT. Establishes the Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park Coalition (coalition). Provides that the coalition is composed of certain entities and established for certain purposes. Sec. 488.002. PURPOSE; LOCATION. Requires the park to be operated for certain purposes. Requires the park to be located in the area of Houston, Texas, known as the Texas Medical Center. Sec. 488.003. COALITION MEMBERS. Authorizes the membership of the coalition to include any interested governmental or private nonprofit institution, including certain stated institutions. Sec. 488.004. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Authorizes the coalition to establish a nonprofit corporation to develop and operate the park. Sec. 488.005. LAND AND INFRASTRUCTURE. Authorizes the park to be developed on land owned by the State of Texas and made available for that purpose, as well as on land acquired by the state, the nonprofit corporation, or a member institution for purposes of the park. Sec. 488.006. INVESTMENT; FUNDING. Requires the park to be developed as a public-private partnership in which both public institutions and private entities contribute to the development, funding, and operation of the park. Requires leases producing revenue to state institutions participating in the development of the park to be at market rates. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or 91 days after adjournment.