Honorable David Swinford, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB537 by Thompson (Relating to research using human cells and tissues.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The provisions of the bill would establish the “Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee” for the new Texas Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The Committee would serve as the governing body of the institute and consist of nine members, one of whom would be appointed by the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from a list of University of Texas institutions.
The provisions of the bill would create or recreate a dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund, create or recreate a special or trust fund either within or outside of the Treasury, or create a dedicated revenue source. Therefore, the fund, account, or revenue dedication included in the bill would be subject to funds consolidation review by the current Legislature. The bill would establish the “stem cell research account” and establish guidelines for research using human cells and tissues.
The provisions of the bill would take effect on the date which the constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 43, or similar legislation by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, establishing the Texas Institute for Regenerative Medicine and prohibiting the Legislature from prohibiting stem cell research is approved by voters. If the amendment does not receive approval of the voters, or if the bill is not enacted, the bill would have no effect. The committee’s powers and duties would be defined by the Texas Constitution, Article XVI, Section 73 (proposed HJR43), including making grants and loan for medical research, and establish appropriate regulatory standards for regenerative medicine research and facilities development.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
301 Office of the Governor, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 720 The University of Texas System Administration, 739 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center