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.