TO: | Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair, Senate Committee on S/C on Higher Education |
FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
IN RE: | HB1493 by Bonnen (Relating to the establishment and operation of a severe storm research and planning center.), As Engrossed |
The bill would add Chapter 155 to Subtitle H, Title 3 of the Education Code to require the creation of a severe storm research and planning center to facilitate research and develop plans, programs, and technology associated with the impact of and response to hurricanes and other severe storms in the Gulf Coast Region and adjacent areas. The regional planning commission, council of governments, or similar regional planning agency (commission) whose membership includes the most populous county that borders on the Gulf of Mexico or on a bay or inlet of the Gulf of Mexico would be responsible for establishing and administering the center.
The commission would be required to appoint an advisory committee, which must include various area universities, both public and private. To the extent funding would be available, the commission would be authorized to contract with Rice University for the purpose of operating, managing, and providing services or facilities for the center.
The commission would be authorized to receive state-appropriated funds for the purpose of supporting the activities of the center, and would be allowed to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations.
The bill would take effect immediately if it were to receive the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2007.
Source Agencies: | 781 Higher Education Coordinating Board
|
LBB Staff: | JOB, MN, JB, DB
|