82R22663 JRJ-D

By: J. Davis of Harris H.B. No. 2520

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2520:

By: Munoz, Jr. C.S.H.B. No. 2520

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the linking of data regarding specialized technology research projects conducted by general academic teaching institutions and other state agencies.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 61.0823 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.0823. STATEWIDE SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH DATA. (a) The purpose of this section is to enhance research coordination and expand research collaborations among general academic teaching institutions and other state agencies in one or more of the following specialized technology areas:

(1) energy research, including methods of creation, storage, distribution, and conservation of energy;

(2) biomedical science research; and

(3) nanotechnology research, including nanomedicine.

(b) The board shall facilitate the linking of data relating to specialized technology research projects that are developed or conducted at general academic teaching institutions, including any research facilities associated with those institutions, and at research facilities of state agencies other than institutions of higher education. To the greatest extent possible, the links shall be established using existing information systems of the institutions and at the lowest reasonable cost.

(c) The board, in consultation with the institutions and agencies, shall determine the type of projects and research areas to be included and prescribe the level and type of data to be linked, including:

(1) faculty data, such as the researcher's name, position, area of research interest, grants, and intellectual property; and

(2) facility descriptions, such as the facility's purpose, capability, physical location, availability under fee for service, and contact information.

(d) The board shall implement this section in phases in regard to participating institutions and agencies and in regard to projects and research areas to be included. Implementation shall begin with the general academic teaching institutions identified as national research universities and emerging research universities.

(e) The board and each participating institution or agency shall execute a memorandum of understanding governing the linkage of data under this section. The memorandum of understanding shall address the administration of the linking of data, which may be performed by a nonprofit entity created for that purpose, the sharing of costs for implementation of this section, and other matters determined by the board and the participating institution or agency. Data collection and management shall remain the responsibility of the respective participating institution or agency.

(f) The board shall establish an advisory committee composed of representatives of participating institutions and agencies to advise and assist the board in implementing this section.

(g) The board and the participating institutions and agencies shall allow access to the linked information consistent with state and federal laws regarding access to public information. This section does not create or affect an exception to public information laws.

(h) The board may adopt rules for the administration of this section.

SECTION 2. 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, 2011.