AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Generally, this bill renames the advanced research program to the Norman Hackerman advanced research program.

 

H.B. 2631 amends current law relating to the advanced research program.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends the heading to Chapter 142, Education Code, to read as follows:

 

CHAPTER 142. NORMAN HACKERMAN ADVANCED RESEARCH PROGRAM

 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 142.001(4), Education Code, to redefine "program."

 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 142.002, Education Code, to provide that the Norman Hackerman advanced research program (program) is established to encourage and provide support for basic research conducted by faculty members and students in astronomy, atmospheric science, biological and behavioral sciences, chemistry, computer sciences, earth sciences, engineering, information science, mathematics, material sciences, oceanography, physics, environmental issues affecting the Texas-Mexico border region, the reduction of industrial, agricultural, and domestic water use, social sciences, and related disciplines in eligible institutions.

 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 142.004(a), Education Code, as follows:

 

(a) Provides that the program is funded by appropriations and by gifts, grants, and donations made for purposes of the program, rather than for that purpose. Deletes existing text authorizing the total funds appropriated to the program to be at least equal to 10 percent of the average amount of the federally sponsored research funds allocated to all institutions of higher education annually during the preceding three years.

 

SECTION 5.  Repealer: Section 142.004(b) (relating to requiring the comptroller of public accounts to issue warrants to each eligible institution in a certified amount), Education Code.

 

SECTION 6.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.