SRC-JEC, MSY S.B. 462 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 462 78R2045 YDB-DBy: Shapleigh Subcommittee on Higher Education 4/17/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current law does not provide for an asthma research center that addresses the challenges of asthma generally and, more specifically, the unique problems faced by asthma sufferers in the region bordering Mexico. As proposed, S.B. 462 establishes an asthma research center at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, and charges the center with responsibility for conducting research on asthma with an emphasis on asthma-related issues arising from the polluted air found along the Texas-Mexico border. 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 110, Education Code, by adding Section 110.151, as follows: Sec. 110.151. TEXAS TECH ASTHMA RESEARCH CENTER. (a) Defines "board" and "center." (b) Requires the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System (board) to establish the Texas Tech Asthma Research Center (center). Requires the center to operate in collaboration with The University of Texas at El Paso and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (c) Requires the center to conduct research related to asthma and conditions associated with that disease, including certain health problems associated with industrial pollution and environmental contamination. (d) Requires the center to undertake certain specified tasks and conduct certain specified studies. (e) Requires the center to develop a 10-year plan to guide and evaluate the center's progress toward achieving the purposes of the center in accordance with this section. Requires the plan to include certain items. (f) Requires the center to update the plan required by Subsection (e) at least every two years, and to submit to the legislature a report concerning the plan by December 15 of each even-numbered year. (g) Provides that the organization, control, and management of the center are vested in the board. (h) Provides that the employment of personnel by and the operating budget of the center are subject to board approval. Provides that an employee of the center is an employee of the Texas Tech University System. (i) Requires the board to select a site for the center at the regional academic health center of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center located in El Paso. (j) Authorizes the center to enter into an agreement or cooperate with a public or private entity to perform the research functions of the center. (k) Authorizes the board to solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants from any public or private source for the use and benefit of the center. SECTION 2. Requires the board to establish the center as provided by Section 110.151, Education Code, as added by this Act, by January 1, 2005. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.