SRC-CTC S.B. 550 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 550
77R4773 ATP-FBy: Bernsen
Business & Commerce
2/12/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the impact of the life science industry on Texas includes a
significant investment in research and development, a large amount of
employment, and a positive impact on the gross state product.  As proposed,
S.B. 550 creates a governor-appointed task force with representatives from
various entities to identify barriers to growth in the life science
industry in Texas.  The task force is to make recommendations to the
legislature regarding research funding and support, commercialization,
capital formation, workforce, infrastructure, and consumer access. 

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.  Requires the governor, not later than October 1, 2001, to
appoint 21 members to serve on a life science task force (task force).
Sets forth the membership of the task force.  Requires the task force to
perform certain functions and submit to the legislature, not later than
January 1, 2003, a detailed report of its findings accompanied by
recommended solutions to the major issues facing the growth of the life
science industry. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act expires February 1, 2003.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.