79R7327 KEL-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1530
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a statewide strategic plan for the support and
promotion of technology research in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Committee" means the technology research
planning committee.
(2) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PLANNING
COMMITTEE. (a) The technology research planning committee is
composed of 18 members as follows:
(1) four members of the senate appointed by the
lieutenant governor;
(2) four members of the house of representatives
appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(3) 10 members appointed by the governor as follows:
(A) one representative from each of the
following:
(i) The University of Texas System;
(ii) The Texas A&M University System;
(iii) the Texas Tech University System;
(iv) the University of Houston System;
(v) the University of North Texas System;
and
(vi) the Texas State University System;
(B) two experts in the field of ethics as applied
to technology issues;
(C) one representative of a regional or state
advocacy group specializing in technology issues; and
(D) one representative of the technology
industry.
(b) A member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the
appointing official. In making appointments to the committee, the
appointing officials shall 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.
(c) The members of the committee shall select a presiding
officer and other officers from among the members and shall meet at
the call of the presiding officer.
SECTION 3. POWERS AND DUTIES OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
PLANNING COMMITTEE. (a) The committee shall develop and adopt a
statewide strategic plan for the support and promotion of
technology research in this state, including research in the
following areas:
(1) stem cells and other areas of biotechnology;
(2) nanotechnology; and
(3) other emerging technologies considered
appropriate for incorporation in the plan by the committee.
(b) In adopting the plan, the committee shall consider and
determine:
(1) the amount of money available for technology
research in this state and the amount of money required to fund
technology research comparable in quantity and quality to that
conducted or funded in other states; and
(2) the types of technology research receiving
financial and other support from this state and the types of
technology research that should receive state support.
(c) The committee may 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. (a) The committee
shall 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.
(b) The report must include the statewide strategic plan
adopted by the committee and any recommendations for legislative
action the committee considers necessary to implement the statewide
plan.
SECTION 5. DEADLINES. (a) Not later than November 1, 2005,
the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house
of representatives shall make the appointments required by this
Act.
(b) Not later than November 1, 2006, the committee shall
adopt the statewide strategic plan required by this Act.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2006, the committee shall
submit the report required by this Act to the appropriate
officials.
SECTION 6. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2007.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.