BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 44
By: Zaffirini
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Evidence shows that undergraduate research programs are effective in improving student retention and graduation rates, increasing students' likelihood to pursue a doctoral degree, and increasing interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By setting aside advanced research program funds specifically for undergraduates, the pool of potential graduate students will grow while providing enriching research experiences.
S.B. 44 amends current law relating to the participation of students in funding awarded under the advanced research program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 142.001, Education Code, by amending Subdivision (3) and adding Subdivision (3-a), to redefine "eligible institution" and define "institution of higher education" and "medical and dental unit."
SECTION 2. Amends Section 142.002, Education Code, to include students in addition to faculty members as persons for whom the advanced research program (program) is established to encourage and provide support for basic research conducted in certain disciplines and subjects.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 142.003(c), Education Code, to require that the guidelines and procedures developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provide for awards on a competitive, peer review basis for specific projects at eligible institutions and require that, as a condition of receiving an award, an eligible institution is required to use a portion of the award to support, in connection with the project for which the award is made, basic research conducted by graduate or undergraduate students, if the eligible institution is a medical and dental unit or undergraduate students, if the eligible institution is any other institution of higher education.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.