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.