BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1530
S/C on Emerging Technologies & Economic Dev.
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Emerging technology in the areas of biotechnology and nanotechnology have the potential to revolutionize numerous fields of economic production. For the Texas economy to capitalize on these technologies, it is essential that research and development be conducted in this state.
The state does not, however, have a systematic mechanism for the promotion of emerging technologies, especially in the biotechnology field, which includes stem cell and other types of research that have the potential to treat and cure many modern ailments.
S.B. 1530 addresses the lack of a systematic mechanism for the promotion of research throughout the state by creating a committee composed of legislators, university officials, ethicists, an industry representative, and an advocate. This committee would provide recommendations to help Texas capitalize on opportunities to be the leader in developing new technology by creating a strategic plan for addressing the issues. The committee would also provide recommendations about how resources should be allocated to best capitalize on technology opportunities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Defines "committee" and "institution of higher education."
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PLANNING COMMITTEE. Sets forth guidelines for the composition of and appointment to the technology research planning committee (committee). Provides that a member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the appointing official. Requires the appointing officials, in making appointments to the committee, to attempt to appoint persons who reflect the gender and ethnic composition of the population of the state and who represent the geographic regions of the state. Requires the members of the committee to select a presiding officer and other officers from among the members and to meet at the call of the presiding officer.
SECTION 3. POWERS AND DUTIES OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PLANNING COMMITTEE. Requires the committee to develop and adopt a statewide strategic plan for the support and promotion of technology research in this state, including research in specific areas. Requires the committee, in adopting the plan, to consider and determine the amount of money available for technology research in this state, the amount of money required to fund technology research comparable in quantity and quality to that conducted or funded in other states, the types of technology research receiving financial and other support from this state, and the types of technology research that should receive state support. Authorizes the committee to request reports and other information from institutions of higher education, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and other entities as necessary to carry out this Act.
SECTION 4. REPORT; RECOMMENDATIONS. Requires the committee to submit to the presiding officer of each house of the legislature a report summarizing the committee's activities and determinations performed as required by this Act. Requires the report to include the statewide strategic plan adopted by the committee and any recommendations for legislative action the committee considers necessary to implement the statewide action plan.
SECTION 5. DEADLINES. Requires the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, not later than November 1, 2005, to make the appointments required by this Act. Requires the committee, not later than November 1, 2006, to adopt the statewide strategic plan required by this Act. Requires the committee, not later than December 1, 2006, to submit the report required by this Act to the appropriate officials.
SECTION 6. EXPIRATION. Provides that this Act expires January 1, 2007.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.