SRC-LBB, TAG S.B. 1642 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1642 By: Staples Subcommittee on Higher Education 8/24/2003 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, rural Texas has a large elderly population who have specific health issues and needs. The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler has the ability to research rural geriatric issues since it is located near rural communities with a large elderly populations. S.B. 1642 establishes the East Texas Center for Rural Geriatric Studies at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. 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 Subchapter K, Chapter 74, Education Code, by adding Section 74.604, as follows: Sec. 74.604. EAST TEXAS CENTER FOR RURAL GERIATRIC STUDIES. (a) Defines "board" and "center." (b) Authorizes the board of regents of The University of Texas System (board) to establish the East Texas Center for Rural Geriatric Studies at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (center) for certain purposes. (c) Provides that the organization, control, and oversight of the center are vested in the board. (d) Requires the board, if it establishes the center, to provide for the employment of staff and an operating budget for the center and select a site for the center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. (e) Authorizes the center to solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants from any public or private source for the use and benefit the center. (f) Provides that the establishment of the center is subject to the availability of federal funding, gifts, grants, or other funding for that purpose. (g) Provides that an employee of the center is an employee of The University of Texas System. (h) Authorizes the center to enter into agreement with a public or private entity to operate or participate in the operation of the center. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.