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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 550
77R9304 ATP-FBy: Bernsen
Business & Commerce
3/21/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


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. C.S.S.B. 550
creates a 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 certain state officials 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.  (a) Requires the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of
the house of representatives (speaker), not later than October 1, 2001, to
establish a life science task force (task force) to perform certain
actions.   

(b) Sets forth the size, composition, and appointment of the task force.  

(c) Requires the governor to appoint a presiding officer  from among the
members of the task force.   

(d) Requires a legislative entity to assist the task force at the request
of the lieutenant governor or the speaker, and a state agency in the
executive branch of state government to assist the task force at the
request of the task force.  

 (e) Requires the task force to meet at certain times.

(f) Provides that the task force is not subject to Chapter 2110 (State
Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code. 

 (g) Requires the task force to perform certain functions.

(h) Requires the task force, not later than January 1, 2003, to submit to
the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker 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 and the task force is abolished
February 1, 2003. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES
 
SECTION 1.  Amends As Filed S.B. 550 to require the governor, lieutenant
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives (speaker) to
establish a life science task force (task force) to perform certain
functions.  Sets forth the manner in which certain members of the task
force are appointed. Requires the governor to appoint a presiding officer
from among the members of the task force. Requires a legislative entity to
assist the task force at the request of the lieutenant governor or speaker,
and a state agency in the executive branch of state government to assist
the task force at the request of the task force.  Requires the task force
to meet at certain times.  Provides that the task force is not subject to
Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code.  Removes
a requirement of the task force relating to the findings and
recommendations of the "21st Century Life Science Road Map" report.
Requires the task force to submit a detailed report with certain
information to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker, rather than
the legislature, by a certain date. 

SECTION 2.  Amends As Filed S.B. 550 by providing that the task force is
abolished February 1, 2003.